Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, located in the heart of Old Town Key West, Florida, gives visitors an intimate look at the place where Ernest Hemingway lived from 1931 to 1939. Today, the landmark house and grounds offer a vivid sense of the writer’s daily life, his creative routines, and the island setting that influenced some of his best-known work.

Best known for works such as The Old Man and the Sea, A Farewell to Arms, and For Whom the Bell Tolls, Hemingway remains deeply associated with Key West. The museum experience combines literary history with a distinctive sense of place, featuring period rooms, lush gardens, and the property’s beloved polydactyl (six-toed) cats, a tradition long connected to Hemingway’s time on the island.

History and Significance

The house was built in 1851 for Asa Tift, a wealthy marine architect and salvager, and remains one of Key West’s most recognizable historic residences. Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, purchased the property in 1931. During his years here, Hemingway wrote or worked on several important books and stories, including Death in the Afternoon, Green Hills of Africa, and To Have and Have Not.

The home reflects both Key West history and Hemingway’s larger-than-life personality, with antique furnishings, European details, and a separate writing studio on the grounds. The estate was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968 and continues to serve as one of Florida’s best-known literary sites.

The House and Gardens

1. The Hemingway House: The house is one of Key West’s most popular historic attractions, and a visit typically includes a guided introduction to the property’s history. Guests can walk through the main rooms and grounds while learning about Hemingway’s family life, travels, and writing career.

The Writing Studio: One of the highlights of the property is Hemingway’s separate writing studio. Visitors can see the space associated with his working routine, along with books, furnishings, and other period details that help bring his Key West years to life.
Living Quarters: The main house reflects the Hemingway family’s years in Key West through preserved rooms, historic décor, photographs, and personal artifacts. From the dining room to the bedrooms, the interiors help illustrate how the household functioned during the 1930s.

2. The Gardens: The grounds are lush, shaded, and beautifully landscaped, offering a quieter side of Key West just steps from busy Whitehead Street. Tropical foliage, brick pathways, and open courtyards make the estate feel both elegant and relaxed.

The Pool: Pauline Pfeiffer had the swimming pool built in the late 1930s, and it became one of the property’s most talked-about features. It is often described as one of Key West’s earliest private in-ground pools and a lavish expense for its era. A penny embedded in the concrete is tied to Hemingway’s famous “last penny” joke about the cost.
The Cats: The resident six-toed cats are among the museum’s most famous and endearing features. Their story is traditionally linked to Hemingway’s cat Snow White, reportedly a gift from a ship captain. Today, the cat colony remains an iconic part of the museum experience.

Hemingway’s Key West Years

In Hemingway’s era, Key West was a smaller, more isolated island community than the bustling destination visitors know today. He was drawn to its boating culture, its fishing opportunities, and its mix of working waterfront life and tropical beauty.

Writing in Key West: Hemingway found inspiration in the island’s people, weather, and proximity to the sea. His years here were especially productive, and Key West directly shaped the mood and setting of works such as To Have and Have Not.
Fishing and Adventure: Hemingway spent much of his free time fishing in nearby waters aboard his beloved boat, Pilar. He became a well-known figure in Key West, remembered for his sporting life, larger-than-life personality, and ties to famous local hangouts such as Sloppy Joe’s Bar.

Preservation and Tours

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is both a preserved historic property and a working visitor attraction. Guided tours are generally available throughout the day, and staff interpretation helps connect the rooms, gardens, and artifacts to Hemingway’s life and legacy.

Tour Highlights: Visitors commonly explore the main house, the writing studio, the pool area, the gardens, and the cat-friendly grounds. The experience blends architecture, literary history, and colorful local stories.
Exhibits and Interpretation: In addition to the house itself, the museum may feature rotating displays, photographs, or interpretive materials that add context about Hemingway’s travels, family life, and influence on American literature.

Educational and Cultural Impact

The museum is more than a sightseeing stop. It is also an important literary and cultural site that helps preserve Hemingway’s legacy while introducing new generations of readers to his work.

Literary Influence: Hemingway’s spare, influential prose style is studied around the world. Visiting the home adds valuable context to his writing by placing visitors in the environment where he lived, worked, and entertained.
Historic Preservation: The museum also plays a major role in preserving one of Key West’s most significant historic homes, along with its collections, gardens, and long-established cat colony.

Vicinity of the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Nearby Attractions

Visitors to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum can easily pair their stop with other nearby Key West landmarks.

Key West Lighthouse: Located directly across the street, this historic site offers exhibits, island views, and another excellent look at Key West’s past.
Southernmost Point
Stop for a photo at one of Key West’s most recognizable landmarks, just a short walk away.
Mallory Square: Head toward the waterfront for the famous sunset celebration, local performers, and harbor views.
Duval Street
Browse shops, restaurants, galleries, and bars along Key West’s best-known street.

Additional Details

Location: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040.
Hours of Operation: The museum is typically open daily, but hours may vary by date, holiday schedules, or special events. Check the official website before visiting for current hours.
Admission: Admission fees, discounts, and tour options may change. The official website is the best source for current ticket information.
Parking: Parking in Old Town Key West can be limited, so allow extra time or consider walking, biking, or ride-share service if you are staying nearby.
Accessibility: Because this is a historic property, accessibility is more limited than at a modern attraction. Some areas are easier to access than others, so it is best to contact the museum directly for current accessibility information and accommodations.

For current hours, tickets, and visitor information, visit the official website: https://www.hemingwayhome.com/