Key West Shipwreck Museum

The Key West Shipwreck Museum occupies a 65-foot observation tower building that displays recovered artifacts and maritime history. Inside, visitors find historical documents, salvaged items from various wrecks, and exhibition spaces across multiple levels.

The museum preserves Key West's wrecking industry that began in 1851 and became central to the town's economy. Daily, more than 100 ships navigated the Florida Keys during this period, making salvage work a thriving and dangerous profession.

The museum shows how salvage workers in the 1800s rescued cargo from shipwrecks in these waters. Actors and videos today help visitors understand the skills and methods these workers used every day.

The building has multiple levels accessed by stairs, so comfortable footwear and some physical fitness help with the climb. The observation deck at the top offers views over the city and is most enjoyable during clear weather.

Visitors can lift an authentic 64-pound silver bar that was recovered from a Spanish shipwreck in these waters. This allows people to feel the actual weight and value of cargo that salvage workers once handled.