Named "The Best Professional Theater in Florida" by Florida Monthly Magazine in 2010 and 2011, The Waterfront Playhouse is a not-for-profit, professional theater located on historic Mallory Square in Old Town Key West. The theater attracts locals and tourists alike with a wide range of comedies, dramas, musicals, concerts, and world premieres. The Playhouse utilizes Key West's rich talent pool of actors, directors and designers, as well as attracting internationally known luminaries.
For movie buffs, this cinema serves every purpose. Showcasing award-winning films and conducting courses in digital media and other areas, the Tropic Cinema has helped create awareness about cultures globally. It also hosts birthday parties, anniversaries and other occasions. Festive occasions call for a celebration and this is the place to be! See website for showtimes, ticketing info and more.
The Hemingway Home & Museum was the residence of the renowned author Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway was known both for his grander-than-life personality and his amazing writing, including the books The Sun Also Rises and Farewell to Arms. The rooms and the collections on display give you an insight into the life of this famous writer. Keep a look out for the museum's many polydactyl (six-toed) cats that are rumored to be descendants of Hemingway's pet cat Snow White.
A historic military fortress that played a crucial role during the Civil War, this Fort Zachary Taylor is now a National Historic Landmark. the fort offers tours to visitors. Visitors can take guided tours of the fort and learn about its history, including its strategic importance, and explore the seacoast gun collection that is housed here. The west side of the park is ideal for fishing and snorkeling. In addition, the park also provides tables and grills for a picnic, making it an ideal location for outdoor gatherings and families.
Located by the historic Key West waterfront, this open-air marketplace and entertainment complex is a great place to start or end your visit to Key West. Known for its magnificent sunsets, the area is also home to many shops, including Shell Warehouse, Key West Sponge Market and Caribbean Cargo. The Square also features daily entertainment, which includes guitar music, juggling, and animal performances. Local sightseeing tours also depart from the Square.
Nestled in the recesses of the historic Old Town, the Little White House is a startling canopy of pristine white, which lends deep insights into the Truman Presidency. Formerly a naval base which served as the White House of America for the winter session until 1952 , this site is more like a breathing museum entrenched in a long-standing military history. To this day, functions, meetings and private events are held here, whereas elaborate tours unfold layers of the house's presidential and political history. Part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this white-washed house yet retains some of its ancient features like well-furnished spaces including bedrooms and dining halls, treasured documents and opulent furniture. Harry S. Truman Little White House is an integral edifice etched on the pages of America's political history.
If you are looking for a different kind of gallery, this is where you should be. Having established this gallery in January 1999, Alan S. Maltz has also created award-winning books like 'Key West Color' and 'Miami City of Dreams' in recent times. Beautiful sunsets, colourful flowers, gorgeous landscape, amazing wildlife... there is nothing that his camera has not caught. So, go ahead and have a look. Click!
The COAST is the brainchild of Billy Kearns, Ryan Muntin and Billy Litmer and opened its doors in 2012. This compact tin shed by the ocean has a bohemian feel to it. Surfers, boaters and bikers will find customized boards, boats and bikes that will just add to your sea or road adventure. It is also a concert space where you can listen to good tunes by talented musicians.
The museum is located in a 10-room historic mansion that was built way back in the year 1886. The house got its name from the alley, in the back, where donkeys used to haul milk delivery carts in the past. The house has maintained its 19th century decor, and belonged to a U.S. Marshal Peter Williams and his family for over 120 years. The house features Spanish floors, Italian decorated ceilings and on display are period antiques and furnishings, which include Bokhara and Kazak rugs, Royal Doulton and Wedgewood China collectibles. Over the years the museum has received several awards, and as featured in many documentaries and travel based television programs.
Helen Harrison is the founder and owner of this gallery, that strives to promote local talent. Besides displaying creations in wood of her own, this renowned award-winning sculptor also runs this charming gallery. Here you can see mesmerizing art pieces by emerging as well as established artists. The gallery is a popular venue for art and craft exhibitions, showcasing some amazing work, that definitely impress! So stop by to appreciate some local creation!
With a name like that, diversity is on the menu. This gallery is one of the newest co-op. galleries that presents local artists. The gallery's permanent collections include works of David Scott, Pam Hobbs, Lynne Fischer, Jennifer Badry, Maggie Ruley and Michael Sanders. Displayed works include paintings, prints, pottery, jewelry, glass and clay art. What's more? One of the 7 artists is always present in the gallery, working on-site.
One of the only catholic churches on the island, The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea was built in the year 1905 in the American Victorian style of architecture. Romanesque and early Renaissance elements can also be found in the interiors of the church. The church also features a Lourdes grotto, a replica of a grotto in Lourdes, France, established in the early 1900s, which as legend goes is claimed to be the reason why Key West has never been direct witness to a hurricane since the early 20th century. If you decide to visit, know that 45 minute tours of the church are conducted on a frequent basis. Mass also takes place everyday in English, Spanish and even Polish. If you are in the mood to glimpse at a slice of history, see an example of American Victorian style of architecture or simply attend mass, then a visit to The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea won't let you down.