Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

When I first walked past this building on Whitehead Street, Key West, what struck me was how deliberately theatrical it looked. The facade of the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is designed to resemble a 19th-century warehouse, which makes perfect sense once you’re inside and realise the entire museum is built around the idea that you’re stepping into a wrecker’s storage facility from 1856. It’s not trying to be a sleek modern museum. The dimly lit rooms, the creaking floorboards, the costumed actors – it all feels more like immersive theatre than a traditional exhibition space.

Quick overview

The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum charges $18.26 for adults at the door ($16.43 online) and $9.66 for children aged 4-12. Children 3 and under enter free. The museum opens daily at 9am with last entry at 5pm. It’s open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day. Monroe County residents with ID can bring one guest for free through the Hometown Pass programme when they purchase a full-price adult ticket.

At a glance

How much does Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum cost?

The pricing is straightforward with just two ticket categories. Buying online saves you about $2 on adult tickets. The museum doesn’t offer senior discounts or student rates, which is unusual but keeps things simple.

These prices are inclusive of taxes, which are (naughtily) not stated on the initial booking screen. The prices were checked and verified in January 2026.

Monroe County residents can access the Hometown Pass programme, which allows them to bring one guest for free when accompanied by a paying adult. You’ll need to show proof of residency. The Hometown Pass holder rides free when their guest purchases a full-fare adult ticket at the booth or by calling 866-753-7975 – you can’t use this discount with online purchases.

Is Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum free to enter?

No, there’s no free admission except for children 3 and under. Unlike some Key West attractions, the museum doesn’t participate in any regular free admission days or special discount programmes beyond the Monroe County Hometown Pass.

Your admission ticket is also valid for entry to the Sails to Rails Museum on the other side of Old Town, though you’ll need to visit on the same day. This is mentioned quietly on some tickets but not widely advertised, so it’s worth knowing.

What time does Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum open?

The museum keeps consistent hours year-round, which is helpful for planning.

Every day: 9am-5:30pm
Last entry: 5pm

The museum opens 365 days a year, including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and all other holidays. This makes it one of the more reliable attractions in Key West if you’re visiting during a holiday period when other venues might close.

Last entry is strictly at 5pm, giving you 30 minutes before the museum closes. The guided presentation that introduces the museum experience runs at regular intervals throughout the day, so arriving near closing time means you might not get the full experience.

Do I need to book Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum tickets in advance?

No, advance booking isn’t necessary. The museum accepts walk-ups throughout the day and rarely reaches capacity. You can purchase tickets at the door or buy online if you prefer to sort it beforehand.

Online tickets offer a modest discount – $16.43 compared to $18.26 at the door for adults. That’s a saving of about $2 per adult ticket. E-tickets are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase, so if your plans change you can use them on a future visit or give them as gifts.

History

The museum opened in 1997 as the Shipwreck Historeum, created by Historic Tours of America as part of their Florida attractions portfolio. It was designed to tell the story of Key West’s most profitable industry in the 19th century: wrecking, the practice of salvaging cargo from ships that ran aground on the treacherous Florida Reef.

Between the 1820s and 1860s, Key West thrived as one of the wealthiest cities per capita in the United States, entirely because of the wrecking industry. Over 100 ships passed by the island daily, and at least one per week would wreck somewhere along the reef. Wreckers would watch from tall observation towers – some reaching over 90 feet high – and race to be first to reach any vessel in distress. The first wrecker to board became the “wrecking master” who controlled the entire salvage operation.

The wreckers weren’t pirates, despite persistent myths. They were licensed salvagers operating under strict maritime law. The Key West wrecking courts awarded them 25-50% of the salvaged goods’ value depending on the danger and difficulty involved. This created legitimate fortunes for families like the Tifts, who feature prominently in the museum’s presentations.

The industry declined with improvements in navigation aids and the arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century. The wrecking courts closed in 1921, ending an era. The museum’s exhibits centre on the Isaac Allerton, a three-masted schooner that sank in 1856 during a hurricane. The ship was partially salvaged at the time but wasn’t rediscovered until 1985, making it one of the richest shipwreck finds in Key West history.

Inside the museum

The museum recreates a 19th-century wrecker’s warehouse, with wooden crates, cargo netting, and salvaged goods creating an atmosphere of organised chaos. Costumed interpreters play characters involved in the wrecking trade, most notably Asa Tift, a prominent Key West wrecker.

Guided presentation: When you enter, you’re gathered for a theatrical presentation led by actors in period costume. They introduce you to the wrecking industry through storytelling rather than straight historical facts. The presentation lasts about 15 minutes and sets the scene before you explore the exhibits.

Isaac Allerton exhibits: The bulk of the museum displays artifacts recovered from the Isaac Allerton wreck site. You’ll see cargo including ceramics, bottles, personal effects, and ship fittings. The museum has done well to display these items in context rather than just cases of objects. Touchscreens and video presentations throughout tell the story of the ship’s final voyage and its rediscovery 129 years later.

Film presentations: Several short films play throughout the museum showing underwater footage of the wreck site and interviews with modern salvage divers. These help connect the historical wrecking industry to contemporary treasure hunting.

Silver bar exhibit: One of the museum’s most popular interactive elements allows you to try lifting a genuine silver bar salvaged from a Spanish galleon. It’s remarkably heavy – roughly 65 pounds – which drives home just how physically demanding the wrecking profession was.

65-foot observation tower: The museum’s highlight is the replica captain’s lookout tower. You climb a narrow staircase (88 steps) to reach the top, where you get panoramic views across Key West harbour and Old Town. The tower gives you the wrecker’s perspective, scanning the horizon for ships in distress. A bell at the top can be rung to sound the alarm “Wreck Ashore!” which visitors seem to enjoy doing.

The entire museum can be seen in about an hour, though you could easily spend longer if you read all the information panels and watch every video presentation. It’s compact but densely packed with information.

What’s included with your ticket?

• Admission to the main museum exhibits
• Guided theatrical presentation by costumed interpreters
• Access to all interactive displays including the silver bar lifting challenge
• Entry to the 65-foot observation tower (88 steps, not wheelchair accessible)
• Video presentations and underwater footage screenings
• Same-day admission to Sails to Rails Museum (separate location in Key West)
• Complimentary tour script for hearing-impaired visitors (request at entrance)

Not included: Parking (available at nearby Mallory Square or Opal Resort parking garage), guided tours beyond the initial presentation, photographs with actors (generally allowed but not a formal service).

Things to do near Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum

Key West Aquarium (0.1 miles, 2-minute walk) – Florida’s oldest aquarium opened in 1932 as an open-air facility and remains one of Key West’s original attractions. Daily turtle feedings draw crowds, and the touch tanks let you interact with sea stars, urchins and horseshoe crabs. The aquarium houses rescued sea turtles with individual backstories, plus sharks, barracuda, tarpon and a wide variety of tropical fish. Around $20 per person. Allow 1-2 hours.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (0.5 miles, 10-minute walk) – The author’s Spanish Colonial home at 907 Whitehead Street where he wrote some of his most celebrated works in the 1930s. The house is famous for its six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway’s original polydactyl feline. The lush tropical gardens and original furnishings offer insight into his Key West years. Allow 1-1.5 hours.

Harry S. Truman Little White House (0.3 miles, 6-minute walk) – The former naval commandant’s quarters where President Truman spent 175 days across 11 visits during his presidency. Eisenhower also recuperated here from his 1956 heart attack, and Thomas Edison resided here during World War I. Guided tours cover the home’s surprisingly relaxed atmosphere and its role in major policy decisions. Tours run 45-60 minutes.

Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum (0.5 miles, 10-minute walk) – Built in 1848, this 86-foot lighthouse offers 360-degree views after a 88-step climb. The keeper’s quarters museum displays the lifestyle of 19th-century lighthouse families. The first keeper was Barbara Mabrity, one of the first female lighthouse keepers in the United States. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Southernmost Point Buoy (1.2 miles, 24-minute walk or 6-minute drive) – The iconic red, black and yellow concrete buoy marks the southernmost point in the continental United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. Established by the city in 1983, it’s become one of Key West’s most photographed landmarks. There’s usually a queue to get your photo with the buoy. Allow 10-15 minutes for photos.

Key West is also a great spot for mangrove kayaking tours, rum tasting and trips to the Dry Tortugas.

Practical tips

Location: At 1 Whitehead Street in Mallory Square, directly on the waterfront. The building has a distinctive warehouse-style facade and sits next to the Key West Aquarium.

Getting there: Mallory Square is at the north end of Duval Street. The Old Town Trolley and Conch Tour Train both stop at Mallory Square. If you’re walking from Duval Street, head towards the waterfront – it’s about 5 minutes from mid-Duval. The museum is easily walkable from most Old Town accommodation.

Parking: No museum car park. Mallory Square parking garage is directly adjacent (expect $20-30 for several hours). The Opal Resort parking garage on Whitehead Street is another option. Street parking around Mallory Square is metered, limited to 2 hours, and fills up quickly. Arrive before 10am or after 4pm for better chances.

Time needed: Budget 60-90 minutes. The initial theatrical presentation takes 15 minutes, exploring the exhibits another 30-40 minutes, and climbing the observation tower adds 10-15 minutes. If you’re reading every information panel and watching all video presentations, plan for closer to 90 minutes.

Photography: Allowed throughout the museum for personal use. The observation tower offers excellent photo opportunities across Key West harbour. Flash photography is fine for the artifacts.

Dress code: Casual. The observation tower requires climbing 88 steps on a narrow staircase, so wear comfortable shoes. The tower isn’t suitable for flip-flops or high heels. Air conditioning inside the museum makes it comfortable even on hot days.

Accessibility: The main museum floor is wheelchair accessible. However, the observation tower has 88 steps and no lift, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs or anyone with significant mobility limitations. Hearing-impaired visitors can request a printed tour script at the entrance to follow along with the theatrical presentation.

Avoiding crowds: Weekday mornings (9-11am) are quietest. Cruise ship days bring larger crowds between 11am-3pm – check the port schedule if you want to avoid the rush. Summer months (June-August) and spring break (March) see consistent visitor numbers. The museum never gets uncomfortably packed, but the observation tower can feel crowded when multiple groups arrive simultaneously.

Weather considerations: The museum is almost entirely indoors and air-conditioned, making it a good rainy day option. The observation tower is open-air, so it can be uncomfortably hot in summer or windy during storms. Views from the tower are best on clear days.

Combining attractions: The museum sits in the heart of Mallory Square, surrounded by other attractions, restaurants, and the famous Sunset Celebration area. It works well as part of a day exploring Old Town. Your ticket includes same-day entry to the Sails to Rails Museum, though that’s on the opposite side of Old Town.

FAQs

How long does the museum tour take?
Plan for 60-90 minutes. This includes the 15-minute theatrical presentation, time to explore the exhibits and artifacts, and climbing the observation tower.

Is the observation tower difficult to climb?
There are 88 steps on a narrow spiral staircase. It’s manageable for most people with reasonable fitness, but it’s not accessible for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility issues. Young children find it exciting but will need supervision.

Can I visit just the observation tower without seeing the museum?
No, the tower is only accessible through the museum, so you need to purchase admission.

Are there real artifacts from shipwrecks?
Yes, the museum displays genuine artifacts recovered from the Isaac Allerton wreck in 1985, along with items from other shipwrecks. The silver bar you can attempt to lift is authentic.

How accurate are the costumed interpreters?
The theatrical presentations prioritise entertainment over strict historical accuracy, though the core facts about the wrecking industry are sound. Think of it as historically inspired theatre rather than a documentary reenactment.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children generally enjoy the interactive elements, particularly the observation tower climb and attempting to lift the silver bar. The theatrical presentation keeps younger visitors engaged better than reading static displays would. It’s best for ages 6 and up.

What’s the difference between this and the Sails to Rails Museum?
Your ticket is valid for both on the same day. Sails to Rails focuses on the Age of Sail and the Overseas Railroad, located elsewhere in Key West. The Shipwreck Museum concentrates specifically on the wrecking industry and the Isaac Allerton.

Can I take photos with the costumed actors?
Generally yes, though it’s not a formal photo service. The actors are there primarily to deliver the presentation, but most are happy to pose briefly if asked politely after their performance.

Is there a gift shop?
Yes, a small shop near the exit sells nautical-themed souvenirs, books about Key West history and shipwrecks, and maritime gifts.

What if I can’t climb the tower due to mobility issues?
You’ll miss the views, but the rest of the museum remains fully accessible. The museum staff are understanding if mobility limitations prevent tower access – you won’t feel you’ve missed the entire experience.

Does the museum close for hurricanes or bad weather?
The museum opens 365 days a year but may close temporarily for severe weather. During hurricane season (June-November), check their website or call ahead if a storm is approaching.

Are wreckers the same as pirates?
No, despite persistent myths. Wreckers were licensed salvagers operating under maritime law through the Key West wrecking courts. They saved lives and cargo from ships in distress, charging fees approved by judges. Pirates attacked functioning vessels to steal cargo.

What made the Isaac Allerton so valuable?
The ship carried a diverse cargo when it sank in 1856, and the initial salvage was the most lucrative in Key West history, recovering over $50,000 worth of goods (over $1.5 million in today’s money). When rediscovered in 1985, it still held valuable artifacts including gold and silver coins.

Is there air conditioning?
Yes, the museum is air-conditioned throughout. The observation tower is open-air, exposed to weather.

More Florida travel

Other Florida travel articles on Planet Whitley include:

• The weird tribute of Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida.
• Saying hi to the Apollo Beach manatees near Tampa.
• The best stops on the Punta Gorda to Tampa drive.
• 5 reasons to visit Miami on a round-the-world trip.
• Exploring the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.