The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, located in the heart of Key West, Florida, stands as one of the most iconic literary landmarks in the United States. This historic residence, where Hemingway lived for almost a decade, is a testament to the life and work of one of the 20th century’s greatest writers. A must-visit for literary enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone captivated by the romance of Old Florida, the Hemingway Home offers an immersive experience into the life of the man behind The Old Man and the Sea, A Farewell to Arms, and many other literary masterpieces.
The home itself, set against the lush backdrop of Key West’s tropical landscape, is as much a part of Hemingway’s legacy as his writing. Visitors are transported back in time as they explore the rooms where Hemingway penned some of his most famous works, admire the art and memorabilia that adorned his walls, and learn about the fascinating history of his time in Key West.
The Early Years: Ernest Hemingway’s Arrival in Key West
The Journey to Key West
Ernest Hemingway’s relationship with Key West began in the early 1930s, a time when he was already well-established as a prominent author. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1899, Hemingway had already experienced a series of adventures by the time he set foot on the shores of Key West. These included stints as an ambulance driver during World War I, as well as periods of living in Paris, Toronto, and Cuba. However, it wasn’t until the early 1930s that Hemingway, along with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, settled in Key West, drawn by the island’s vibrant community of writers and artists, and the lure of its tropical beauty.
Hemingway’s initial visit to Key West in 1928 was a stopover while on a boat trip in the Caribbean, but it was during the following years that he returned and decided to make the island his home. The Hemingway family moved into a large, Spanish Colonial-style house at 907 Whitehead Street in 1931. This property, which would become the iconic Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, was purchased for $8,000—a modest price for a home that would come to house so many of Hemingway’s memories.
A New Beginning in the Tropics
When Hemingway moved to Key West, the island was still a remote and relatively unspoiled paradise. The 1930s were a time of great personal change for the writer. He had already published several successful works, including The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms, but his time in Key West would mark a period of immense creative output, as well as personal trials. Hemingway was profoundly influenced by the island’s atmosphere, which was reflected in his writing. Surrounded by tropical beauty, clear blue waters, and a community of like-minded individuals, Hemingway found the environment conducive to his craft. He often described the area as a place that allowed him to focus, away from distractions, and to truly immerse himself in his work.
During his time in Key West, Hemingway’s output was prolific. Among the works he wrote during his years at the house were Death in the Afternoon, The Green Hills of Africa, and some of his most beloved short stories. However, it was during this time that Hemingway also began to experience some of his most difficult personal struggles, including a turbulent marriage and the pressures of fame. Despite these challenges, Hemingway’s years in Key West solidified his reputation as one of America’s foremost literary voices.
The House: Architecture and Design
The Spanish Colonial Revival Style
The Hemingway Home itself, designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, is a beautiful example of Old Florida architecture. The house was originally built in the 1850s, but it was extensively renovated in the late 1920s and early 1930s, when Hemingway and his wife, Pauline, took possession of it. The home’s design features distinct elements of the Spanish Colonial Revival style, including arched doorways, wrought-iron balconies, and red-tiled roofs. It reflects the laid-back, yet elegant, atmosphere of Key West during that era.
The interior of the home is equally impressive, with its high ceilings, large windows, and open floor plan. Many of the original furnishings are still in place today, offering a glimpse into Hemingway’s everyday life. The house is divided into several rooms, each offering a different aspect of Hemingway’s life. From the spacious living areas to the quiet study where he wrote, the home provides visitors with a chance to step inside the life of one of America’s greatest literary figures.
The lush tropical gardens surrounding the house are also part of its allure. The Hemingway family created expansive gardens filled with vibrant flowers, towering trees, and lush greenery. These gardens became a sanctuary for Hemingway during his time in Key West, and they continue to draw visitors today, who can stroll through the grounds and admire the same natural beauty that inspired the writer.
The Famous Pool
One of the most notable features of the Hemingway Home is the large, in-ground swimming pool, which was built in the late 1930s. Hemingway’s wife, Pauline, insisted on the addition of a pool, which was a rarity in Key West at the time. The pool was constructed at a cost of $20,000—a significant amount of money in those days—and was considered an extravagant luxury.
Hemingway, who had always been an avid swimmer, enjoyed the pool immensely. The pool remains one of the most iconic features of the home today, and visitors can view it as part of their tour. The Hemingway family’s love for the pool is documented in several photographs, some of which show the author lounging by the water or swimming in its clear blue depths.
The Hemingway Legacy: Creative Output and Personal Struggles
Writing at Whitehead Street
Ernest Hemingway’s time in Key West was marked by a deep creative output. While living at 907 Whitehead Street, he wrote numerous works that would go on to become classics, including his non-fiction works Death in the Afternoon and Green Hills of Africa, as well as short stories like “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.” These works were heavily influenced by his time on the island, capturing the rich, vibrant world around him.
Key West’s landscape, culture, and people became important sources of inspiration. Hemingway’s love of fishing, for instance, was mirrored in his short stories about the sea and the fishermen of the region. The island itself—with its natural beauty, rugged coastline, and vivid sunsets—became more than just a backdrop for his stories; it was integral to his creativity.
However, Hemingway’s life in Key West was not without its challenges. His marriage to Pauline was strained, and the pressures of fame, as well as the personal conflicts that arose from his turbulent relationships, affected his mental and emotional well-being. Nevertheless, his time in Key West remains one of the most productive periods of his career.
The Significance of Key West in Hemingway’s Legacy
The time Hemingway spent in Key West is often considered one of the most significant periods in his literary career. The island provided him with the space and freedom to create, while its quiet, tropical atmosphere allowed him to focus on his writing without the distractions of city life. Many of his best works, both fiction and non-fiction, emerged from this period, cementing Key West’s place in his legacy as a hub for creativity and inspiration.
Today, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum serves as a living tribute to Hemingway’s time in Key West. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the writer’s life, his works, and his enduring legacy. Through tours, exhibitions, and educational programs, visitors can learn about the man behind the words and gain insight into the life of a writer whose influence continues to resonate worldwide.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum Today
A Living Museum
Since its opening to the public in 1964, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum has become one of the most popular attractions in Key West. The museum offers daily tours that provide visitors with a detailed look at the writer’s life, his family, and his work. Expert guides take visitors through the rooms where Hemingway lived, wrote, and spent his leisure time, sharing fascinating stories about the author and the people who lived in the house.
The museum is also home to an impressive collection of memorabilia, including photographs, letters, books, and personal artifacts that offer a deeper understanding of Hemingway’s life. The exhibits highlight key moments in his life, from his early years in the Midwest to his time in Paris and Cuba, offering a comprehensive portrait of one of the world’s greatest writers.
The Cats of Hemingway
One of the most famous aspects of the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is its population of cats. Hemingway was known for his love of animals, and during his time in Key West, he kept many cats at his home. Today, descendants of Hemingway’s original cats still roam the grounds of the museum, and they have become a beloved part of the museum’s identity. The cats are known for their distinctive polydactyl paws (extra toes), which is a trait passed down from Hemingway’s original feline companions.
Visitors can see these cats as they tour the grounds, and they have become an integral part of the Hemingway Home experience. The museum has even established a foundation dedicated to caring for the cats and ensuring their well-being.
Special Events and Programs
Throughout the year, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum hosts a variety of special events and programs. These include lectures, book signings, and special exhibitions that highlight different aspects of Hemingway’s life and work. The museum also celebrates Hemingway’s birthday each July 21st with special events, drawing large crowds of visitors and literary fans from around the world.
Conclusion: A Timeless Literary Landmark
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is more than just a house—it is a testament to the life and work of one of America’s most celebrated writers. Located in the heart of Key West, the museum offers a unique glimpse into Hemingway’s world, allowing visitors to experience the place where some of his greatest works were conceived. From its stunning architecture to its rich literary history, the Hemingway Home is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the life of Ernest Hemingway and the legacy he left behind.
If you’re planning to visit, the museum is located at 907 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida. Be sure to immerse yourself in the literary magic of this unforgettable landmark.
