Fort East Martello Museum, Key West

About Fort East Martello Museum

Fort East Martello Museum preserves a Civil War-era fort in Key West, Florida, where visitors explore galleries and collections spanning the island's history. The museum houses Civil War relics alongside exhibits on the wrecking and cigar-manufacturing industries that shaped the Florida Keys. Current exhibitions include Robert the Doll, an infamous artifact with its own history; Stanley Papio: Junkyard Rebel, featuring imaginative metal sculptures; and Ghosts of East Martello, which explores the fort's paranormal reputation. The restored battlement, originally constructed in the 1860s and abandoned after the Civil War, was cleared and opened as a museum in 1950 by the Key West Art & Historical Society. The facility operates daily and offers group rates upon request. Adult programs and member events are held throughout the year. The museum serves history enthusiasts, families interested in regional heritage, and those curious about Key West's unique past.