The museum is housed in the historic Custom House building at 281 Front Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. Admission fees are $17 for adults ($15.50 online), $13 for seniors, locals, college ID holders, and retired military ($11.50 online), $9 for youth ages 7-18 ($7.50 online), free for children under 7 and active military, and free for members. Group rates and venue rentals are available upon request. The Custom House building’s history dates to 1833, when the federal government purchased land near Key West harbor and built a small wooden structure for customs operations. By 1882, Key West’s customs revenue exceeded that of all other Florida ports combined. In 1885, construction began on a larger facility, which opened in April 1891 despite delays. This Romanesque Revival structure housed customs offices, the District Court, and the Post Office. It processed thousands of cases, including rum-running and ship salvaging claims, and notably handled proceedings related to the 1898 sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor, precipitating the Spanish-American War. In the 1930s, these offices relocated, and the U.S. Navy converted the building into utilitarian office space until the 1970s. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, it was then abandoned, sealed, and left to decay. In the 1980s, various redevelopment plans emerged, including a yacht club or resort. In 1991, it was sold to the Florida Land Acquisition Advisory Council, and the society acquired it for restoration. Renovations, supervised by architect Bert Bender, began in 1993 and cost nearly $9 million over nine years, using original materials while adding modern features like stairwells, an elevator, climate control, archival rooms, and facilities for over 300,000 annual visitors. The museum reopened in 1999 as the architectural “crown jewel” of the island. Exhibits showcase the society’s permanent collection and award-winning temporary displays, providing perspectives on two centuries of Key West history across four historic sites, including this one. Visitors can journey through the island’s past via these galleries. With strong coastal ties, the museum’s location adjacent to Mallory Square emphasizes Key West’s maritime heritage, from its harbor-based customs economy to naval and salvaging narratives. Visitor experiences include exploring two floors of air-conditioned, ADA-compliant gallery space, a wraparound veranda ideal for wedding photos, and the Helmerich Trust Research & Learning Center for meetings or small events. Onsite restrooms enhance accessibility. The Culture Pass allows entry to all four museums for a comprehensive historical immersion. Educational programming is offered for all ages, fostering informative and fun learning about the island’s coastal legacy.
