Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, located in the heart of Old Town Key West, Florida, is a historic landmark that offers visitors an intimate look into the life of one of America’s most renowned writers, Ernest Hemingway. The home, where Hemingway lived and wrote during the 1930s, has been preserved to reflect its original state, giving visitors a unique glimpse into the personal and professional life of the Nobel Prize-winning author.
Famous for novels such as The Old Man and the Sea, A Farewell to Arms, and For Whom the Bell Tolls, Hemingway’s legacy is immortalized in this stunning Spanish Colonial-style house, surrounded by lush gardens and inhabited by the legendary polydactyl (six-toed) cats, many of which are descendants of Hemingway’s own pets. The museum provides a look into Hemingway’s years in Key West, where he wrote some of his most famous works and lived a colorful life filled with fishing, boxing, and travel.
History and Significance
The Ernest Hemingway Home was built in 1851 by Asa Tift, a wealthy marine architect and salvager, in a distinctive Spanish Colonial style. Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, purchased the home in 1931, and it remained Hemingway’s primary residence for nearly a decade. During this time, Hemingway wrote many of his most celebrated works, including To Have and Have Not, which was set in Depression-era Key West.
The house itself is a reflection of Hemingway’s eclectic tastes, featuring antique European furniture, Spanish tiles, and a personal writing studio where Hemingway penned some of his most influential novels and short stories. The estate was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968, and today, it operates as a museum dedicated to preserving Hemingway’s memory and showcasing his contributions to literature.
The House and Gardens
1. The Hemingway House: The Hemingway Home is one of the most popular historic attractions in Key West, offering guided tours through its rooms and grounds. Visitors can explore the elegant interior, which has been restored to closely resemble how it looked during Hemingway’s time.
- The Writing Studio: One of the highlights of the tour is Hemingway’s private writing studio, located in a converted carriage house on the property. This was the place where Hemingway spent countless hours writing in the early morning hours, producing some of his most famous works. The studio still contains his typewriter, books, and furniture, offering an authentic view of his workspace.
- Living Quarters: The main house reflects the Hemingway family’s life in Key West. The home is filled with antique European furniture, art, and photographs that reflect the author’s life and travels. Guests can explore Hemingway’s dining room, bedrooms, and other personal spaces, all preserved to look much as they did when Hemingway lived there.
2. The Gardens: The grounds of the Ernest Hemingway Home are lush and beautifully landscaped, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Key West’s tourist scene. The gardens feature tropical plants, flowering trees, and a pool that was the first in Key West and, at the time, one of the largest in the region.
- The Pool: Pauline Pfeiffer had the pool built in the late 1930s, which was an extravagant addition to the property during that era. The pool cost $20,000—a staggering sum at the time—leading Hemingway to famously joke that it was his “last penny.” A penny is now embedded in the concrete near the pool, symbolizing the cost of this luxury.
- The Cats: Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of the property is its population of polydactyl (six-toed) cats. Hemingway was given a six-toed cat named Snow White by a ship captain, and today, many of the cats roaming the grounds are descendants of that original feline. The cats are a beloved part of the property and are often seen lounging in the gardens or inside the house, contributing to the relaxed, charming atmosphere of the estate.
Hemingway’s Key West Years
During the 1930s, Key West was an isolated and somewhat rough-and-tumble town, a far cry from the popular tourist destination it is today. Hemingway was drawn to the island for its natural beauty, the opportunities for deep-sea fishing, and the community of locals who shared his passion for adventure and storytelling.
- Writing in Key West: Hemingway found inspiration in the waters and people of Key West. His time on the island produced several of his major works, including Death in the Afternoon and Green Hills of Africa. His novel To Have and Have Not, which is set in Key West, explores the harsh economic realities of the Great Depression, with the city’s dockworkers and rumrunners providing the backdrop for the story.
- Fishing and Adventure: Hemingway spent much of his free time fishing in the Gulf Stream aboard his beloved boat, Pilar. His deep-sea fishing expeditions inspired many of his short stories and even his later novel, The Old Man and the Sea. He became a well-known figure in Key West, famous for his boxing matches, hunting trips, and for frequenting local watering holes like Sloppy Joe’s Bar, a spot that remains an iconic attraction today.
Preservation and Tours
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum offers guided tours that allow visitors to delve into the rich history of the house, Hemingway’s life, and his contributions to literature. Tours are available daily, and knowledgeable guides share stories about Hemingway’s personal life, his writing habits, and the history of the home.
- Tour Highlights: Guests can explore the house and gardens at their own pace or join a guided tour that offers in-depth details about the home and Hemingway’s time in Key West. Highlights include Hemingway’s personal artifacts, the writing studio, and the historic pool.
- Special Exhibits: The museum often features special exhibits that highlight different aspects of Hemingway’s life, including his travels, marriages, and influence on American literature.
Educational and Cultural Impact
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is more than just a tourist destination; it plays a key role in promoting literary education and cultural preservation. Through its tours and exhibits, the museum aims to inspire visitors to learn more about Hemingway’s life, work, and the impact he had on modern literature.
- Literary Influence: Hemingway’s distinctive writing style—often referred to as the “Iceberg Theory” or minimalism—is studied in schools and universities around the world. The museum helps keep Hemingway’s literary legacy alive, offering a space where visitors can connect with his writing and the context in which it was created.
- Conservation Efforts: The museum also emphasizes the importance of historic preservation and conservation, both in terms of maintaining the physical structure of the home and the care of its famous feline residents. The home’s caretakers work diligently to preserve the integrity of the property and its gardens for future generations.
Vicinity of Ernest Hemingway Museum
Nearby Attractions
Visitors to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum can also enjoy several nearby attractions that further enrich the experience of exploring Key West’s history and culture.
- Key West Lighthouse: Located directly across the street from the Hemingway Home, the Key West Lighthouse offers visitors stunning views of the island and a chance to explore a piece of maritime history.
- Sloppy Joe’s Bar: A favorite haunt of Hemingway’s, Sloppy Joe’s is a short walk from the museum and is one of Key West’s most famous bars. It’s a lively spot where visitors can enjoy a drink while soaking in the atmosphere that Hemingway once frequented.
- Mallory Square: Famous for its daily sunset celebrations, Mallory Square is another must-visit destination in Key West, offering street performances, local art, and breathtaking views of the sunset over the water.
Additional Details
- Location: The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is located at 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040.
- Hours of Operation: The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, including holidays. It’s recommended to check the website for any special closures or holiday hours.
- Admission: General admission fees apply, with discounted rates for children and seniors. Special group rates and private tours are also available.
- Parking: Parking in Old Town Key West can be limited, but there are several nearby lots and street parking options.
- Accessibility: The Hemingway Home is partially wheelchair accessible, with ramps and limited access to the second floor. Staff are available to assist visitors with mobility challenges.
For more information visit: https://www.hemingwayhome.com
