Explore the stunning home and tropical gardens where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote for over a decade. Meet the famous six-toed cats at this unique National Historic Landmark.
Overview: History, what to expect, and unique features of the Hemingway Home and Museum
The Hemingway Home and Museum is the former residence of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway in Key West, Florida. Built in 1851, the Spanish Colonial-style house was a wedding gift to Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, in 1931. Hemingway lived and wrote here from 1931 to 1940, completing works like *For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Snows of Kilimanjaro.” After his death, the property was restored and opened as a private museum.
Visitors can expect a guided tour through the historic house, which remains furnished with original 17th- and 18th-century pieces. The tour details Hemingway’s life, marriages, and literary achievements. Outside, you explore the lush tropical garden and the historic in-ground swimming pool. This pool was the first in-ground pool built in Key West and cost a staggering $20,000 in 1938. The most unique feature is the community of over 40 descendants of Hemingway’s original six-toed cat, Snow White, which roam the beautiful grounds.
Why book the Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria day trip from Washington DC?
- Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Explore the historic estate, mansion, gardens and museum of America’s first president.
- Discover Old Town Alexandria: Wander cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and quirky shops in this charming waterfront town.
- Guided insight along the way: Local guides share history and context about the sites, enhancing your experience.
- Hassle-free day trip: Includes transport from Washington DC so you don’t have to arrange your own travel.
- Perfect for history lovers: A well-rounded mix of presidential history, architecture and picturesque streetscapes.
Hemingway Home and Museum: opening times and access
The Hemingway Home and Museum is open every day of the year, including all holidays.
- General hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tours: A 20–30 minute guided tour is included with the admission price. Tours start every 15 minutes.
- No reservations: No reservations are required for individuals or small groups. Tickets must be purchased at the main gate upon arrival.
- Recommended time: Allow approximately one to one-and-a-half hours for the guided tour and time to explore the grounds, museum, and meet the cats.
Hemingway Home and Museum admission fees and tickets
Admission includes access to the house, gardens, and the guided tour. Payment can be made by card or mobile transaction, with a small fee applied.
| Ticket type | Price (checked December 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult General Admission | $19.00 | Includes the mandatory guided house and grounds tour. |
| Child Rate (6–12 years old) | $7.00 | |
| Children (5 and under) | Free |
Payment note: A 3% fee is added to all card and mobile transactions. Group rates are available by contacting the museum in advance.
Accessibility, safety, and amenities
As a historic landmark, the house has some limitations on physical access.
- Accessibility: The main floor and garden areas are generally accessible, but the upper floors of the historic house are accessed via stairs. Due to the nature of the historic building, full wheelchair accessibility is limited.
- Facilities: A museum and bookstore are located on the property, offering books and souvenirs related to Hemingway and Key West.
- Animals: The famous six-toed (polydactyl) cats live on the premises. Visitors must treat the cats with respect and not attempt to pick them up.
- Parking: The museum does not have its own parking lot. Visitors must rely on street parking or nearby public parking facilities.
Nearby attractions to the Hemingway Home and Museum
The Hemingway Home and Museum is centrally located in Old Town Key West, near major attractions within walking distance:
- Key West Lighthouse and Museum: Located directly across the street, this offers a climbable tower with views of the island and the former Hemingway property.
- Southernmost Point Buoy: The iconic marker designating the southernmost point in the continental U.S. is a short walk from the museum.
- Duval Street: Key West’s main street is lined with restaurants, shops, and historic bars, including Sloppy Joe’s, a Hemingway favourite.
- Harry S. Truman Little White House: The former winter residence of President Truman, also a National Historic Landmark, is located nearby.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about the Hemingway Home and Museum
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the admission price worth it? | Yes, the single fee covers the guided house tour, museum access, and grounds exploration, including time with the famous six-toed cats. |
| Why are there so many cats? | Ernest Hemingway was given a white six-toed cat named Snow White. The 40–50 cats currently on the grounds are descended from that original cat, many inheriting the polydactyl trait. |
| Is the pool original? | The in-ground swimming pool was built in 1938 and was a major point of contention for Pauline Pfeiffer, making it the first in-ground pool on Key West. |
| Is photography allowed? | Photography is allowed throughout the gardens and interior, but visitors must refrain from using flash inside the house to protect the artifacts. |
| How long did Hemingway live in the house? | Hemingway lived in the house for just under ten years (1931–1940), completing some of his most important literary works there. |
