Anchoring Mallory Square’s historic seaport, the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House is as stunning a sight today as it was when it opened in 1891. Originally home to the island’s customs office, postal service, and district courts, this four-story architectural marvel now boasts two floors of exhibitions that weave together two centuries of history, art, people, and events.
In addition to the many fascinating permanent exhibits on display, you can also treat yourself to two exceptional temporary exhibitions that are particularly outstanding.
Now through Sunday, September 15, Flora & Fauna is a unique exhibition that introduces you to some amazing naturalists working in the Florida Territory in the early nineteenth century. Artists often accompanied explorers to uncharted and unblemished areas teeming with natural beauty. These artists painted the curious new landscapes, replete with distinct flora and fauna largely unknown to Americans.
Now through Friday, August 30, the Custom House Museum is also exhibiting a “fun in the sun” exhibit entitled “Beaches, Creatures & Cowboys: Florida’s Movie Posters.”
In the early days of movie-making, Florida’s sunshine, palm trees, and beaches set the stage for many movies. Even after most studios had gone to the West Coast, many films still included some scenes shot in Florida. Today, Florida is the third largest movie industry in the country. It is home to major studios like Universal, Disney, and MGM.
Opening on Thursday, June 6, from 6 – 8 pm and running through Thursday, July 25 is the highly anticipated “Mango Madness.” Mangoes fill our trees each spring until they grow pregnant with their weight, thumping to the ground in summer to be gathered, enjoyed, and shared with neighbors like golden currency. This annual Members Exhibition is a bounty of creativity in every form and style imaginable: from the artists who inspire us and the island that inspires them.
The museum also includes several other permanent exhibitions, including Tennessee Williams – The Playwright and the Painter, Overseas to The Keys- Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway, Depicting Hemingway, and many more.
You can flip-flop on over to see all of these fantastic exhibits from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org.
