Plan Your Visit

Admissions

Adults: $17 ($15.50 online)
Senior/Local/College ID/Retired Military: $13 ($11.50 online)
Youth (Age 7-18): $9 ($7.50 online)
Child (Under 7): Free
Active Military: Free
KWAHS Members: Free
Group Rates available upon request.
Facility Rental available upon request.

Address & Hours

3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
Key West, Florida 33040
1 (305) 296-3913
Map

Open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.)

Current Exhibits

Explore permanent exhibits at the Fort East Martello Museum.

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Current Exhibitions

Robert the Doll
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Current Exhibitions

Stanley Papio: Junkyard Rebel
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Current Exhibitions

Ghosts of East Martello

History of the Fort East Martello Museum

While Key West remained a Union-controlled island during the Civil War, the majority of Key West citizens supported the Confederacy. With such a rift, it is perhaps surprising that no battles took place on or around the island. Having no use for the Fort once the war was drawing to a close, Fort East Martello was abandoned in its unfinished state by the Army.

In 1950, the Key West Art & Historical Society, with its own army of volunteers, cleared away years of debris and dust to open Fort East Martello as its first museum. With continued community support, the Society restored this national landmark in accordance with its original 1860s design. Today, visitors can explore the preserved battlement’s collection of relics from the Civil War, learn about the wrecking and cigar-manufacturing industries which shaped the Florida Keys, view the imaginative metal sculptures of Stanley Papio, as well as meet the Ghosts of East Martello, including the infamous Robert the Doll.

Old East Martello Drawing

What's On At Our Museums

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Adult Programs

November 21

Happy Hour with the Historian: Defending America’s Gibraltar
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Adult Programs

November 21

KWAHS Member Breakfast
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Adult Programs

November 26

Distinguished Speaker Series: Florida Hustlers, Blue Bloods, and Dreamers | The Rise of the Sunshine State Mafia

Venue Rental

On the National Register of Historic Places, the Civil War-era Fort East Martello is a hidden gem. The inner courtyard has ample space to accommodate your wedding, reception, concert or special event. Capacity for the courtyard ranges 200-400. The central brick citadel provides a historic backdrop and offers magnificent panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from its rooftop observation platform.

Fort East Martello also has a large field, aptly named the ‘Parade Grounds’. Slated for major improvements beginning in fall 2020, the grounds will be ready for rental in spring 2021. Capacity for the ‘Parade Grounds’ is 1,500-2,000.

The Fort is located near the Key West International Airport. With exception of the citadel, the property is full ADA accessible. There are no air-conditioned spaces available for rent, however the venue has two onsite restrooms.

Learn more about venue rental

Tennessee Williams Museum

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters
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Museum Admissions

Journey through two centuries of Key West history by visiting all of our four historic sites. Each site serves as a museum, providing visitors with a unique perspective and understanding of the island’s past.

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Get the Culture Pass

One Pass, 4 Great Museums

Purchase Pass
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Exhibits

Our historic sites not only house the Society’s permanent collection, but also serve as galleries for our award-winning exhibitions.

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Venue Rentals

The Society has four distinct museums to accommodate all of your rental needs including weddings, fundraisers, and corporate events.

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Education

The Society is dedicated to offering educational, informative, and fun programming for learners of all ages.

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