Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum | Florida Keys

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a historic house museum located in Key West, Florida, USA.

It was the residence of author Ernest Hemingway from 1931 to 1939.

Visual Characteristics

The house is a two-story, Spanish Colonial style residence constructed from coral stone. It features a light blue exterior with white trim and a red-tiled roof. The property includes a garden with a swimming pool, a common feature not typical for Key West homes of that era.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 907 Whitehead Street in Key West, Florida. It is approximately 0.8km southwest of the Mallory Square waterfront. Parking is limited in the immediate vicinity; visitors are advised to use public parking garages or street parking further from the house. Public bus routes serve the main streets of Key West, with stops within walking distance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The house was built in 1851 by Bernath Watlkins, a ship salvager. It was purchased by Ernest Hemingway in 1931 and served as his primary residence for eight years. The property is built on land that was once part of the original Spanish land grants.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the house, which is preserved as it was during Hemingway's occupancy, showcasing his furniture, books, and personal belongings. The grounds include the famous swimming pool, built by Hemingway. The property is also home to numerous six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway's own pet cat, Snow White.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available for visitors. Shaded areas are present in the gardens. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located on the property, but numerous restaurants and cafes are within a 0.5km radius.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday sun. The weather in Key West is suitable for visiting year-round, though the period from December to May offers the driest conditions. High tide or low tide does not affect access to the museum.

Facts & Legends

A notable feature is the swimming pool, which Hemingway reportedly built after his wife, Pauline, threw a coin at him in anger, stating he should build himself a pool with all the money he was wasting on drink. The pool cost $8,000 to build, a significant sum at the time. The six-toed cats are a major attraction, with many visitors seeking out specific cats named after famous literary figures.

Nearby Landmarks

• Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum (0.3km North)
• Mel Fisher Maritime Museum (0.6km North)
• Southernmost Point Buoy (0.7km Southwest)
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (1.5km West)
• Mallory Square (0.8km Northeast)