Hemingway Home & Museum

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West stands as one of Florida’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Built in 1851 in Spanish Colonial style, the residence was restored in the 1930s by Ernest and Pauline Hemingway and later designated a National Historic Landmark. Visitors are welcomed into a world that reflects Hemingway’s literary legacy, featuring European antiques, African safari trophies, and a writing studio where several of his masterpieces were completed.

A highlight of the property is the first in-ground pool in Key West, constructed in 1937–38 at the then-astounding cost of $20,000. This engineering marvel, still admired today, includes a legendary embedded penny placed by Hemingway himself—a whimsical reminder of the home’s rich past. The lush gardens surrounding the pool create a tranquil retreat, echoing the ambiance once enjoyed by Hemingway and his circle of friends known as “The Mob.”

The museum is equally renowned for its colony of polydactyl cats, descendants of Hemingway’s original six-toed feline, Snow White. Nearly 60 cats roam the grounds, serving as a living connection to the author’s life. These cats have become as much a part of the Hemingway legacy as the historic home itself.

Guided tours offered throughout the day bring the property to life, sharing stories of Hemingway’s time in Key West, his friendships, sportfishing adventures, and his influence on the island’s culture. Visitors also have access to a shop filled with mementos linked to Hemingway’s life, writings, and the vibrant spirit of Key West.

The Hemingway Home & Museum is more than a literary landmark; it is a destination where history, architecture, and art intersect, honoring the enduring impact of one of America’s greatest writers.