Visitors to Key West can uncover the region’s rich maritime history at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum. With tickets starting at just $19.34, this family-friendly attraction offers an immersive exploration of genuine artifacts from historic shipwrecks. Through interactive displays and engaging presentations, guests can lift a 64-pound silver bar and discover the captivating tales of the 1800s. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique experience, the Shipwreck Treasure Museum promises to transport you back in time and leave you intrigued to learn more.
Good To Know
- Tickets for the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum are priced from $19.34 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The museum offers a family-friendly experience exploring Key West’s maritime history through genuine artifacts and interactive displays.
- Visitors can see and interact with artifacts from real shipwrecks, including the opportunity to lift a 64-pound silver bar.
- The museum features a recreation of a 19th-century wrecker tycoon’s warehouse and a 65-foot lookout tower with panoramic views.
- The museum is located in Mallory Square and is easily accessible, with presentations scheduled every 20 minutes and an overall rating of 4.3/5.
Ticket Information
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers tickets from $19.34 per person.
Visitors can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The museum also provides the option to reserve now and pay later, allowing guests to book their spot without paying today.
Tickets are valid for 1 day, and visitors can check availability for starting times.
This family-friendly attraction promises an immersive experience, exploring the maritime history and wealth of Key West through genuine artifacts from real shipwrecks.
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Museum Experience
Visitors embark on a family-friendly trip to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, where they learn about the pivotal role of shipwrecks and salvaging in Key West’s wealth during the 1800s.
Visitors explore the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, learning about the city’s 19th-century wealth through salvaged shipwrecks.
The museum boasts two floors of genuine artifacts from real shipwrecks in Key West and the Florida Keys, including:
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Interactive audio-visual displays and storytellers in period costumes
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The opportunity to lift a 64-pound silver bar from the 1656 shipwreck of Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas
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A recreation of 19th-century wrecker tycoon Asa Tift’s warehouse and a 65-foot lookout tower offering views of the entire island.
Historical Significance
Since the 16th century, the Key West region has held significant maritime history, with Spanish galleons and shipwrecks forming the economic foundation of Key West in the 1800s.
By the mid-1850s, Key West became the richest city per capita in the U.S. thanks to the wrecking and salvaging industry.
The museum’s artifacts include pieces from Spanish fleets of the 1600s and the Isaac Allerton wrecked in 1856, showcasing the region’s rich maritime history and the importance of these events in shaping Key West’s wealth and development.
Museum Features
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers visitors a unique and immersive experience, with several notable features that enhance the educational journey.
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers visitors a unique and immersive experience, with several notable features that enhance the educational journey.
Highlights include:
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A recreation of 19th-century wrecker tycoon Asa Tift’s warehouse, providing an authentic historical backdrop.
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A 65-foot lookout tower offering panoramic views of the entire island, allowing guests to imagine the vantage point of past salvage crews.
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Presentations starting every 20 minutes, with the last show at 4:40 PM, ensuring a seamless flow of information throughout the day.
The museum’s features create an engaging and informative environment for visitors to learn about Key West’s rich maritime history.
More Great Tours NearbyVisitor Information
Located at 1 Whitehead Street in Mallory Square, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is easily accessible, with parking available at Mallory Square or The Westin Parking garage.
The museum is wheelchair accessible on the main floor only.
Visitors can expect presentations to start every 20 minutes, with the last show at 4:40 PM.
The museum has received a rating of 4.3/5 based on 25 reviews, with highlights noting its suitability for families and small children.
The museum’s location, parking options, accessibility, and schedule make it a convenient and appealing destination for visitors to Key West.
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Parking Options
Visitors to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum have convenient parking options nearby.
Parking is available at Mallory Square, just steps away from the museum’s location.
Parking is available at Mallory Square, just steps away from the museum’s location.
There’s also the option to park at The Westin Parking garage, a short walk from the museum.
Plus, street parking is available in the area, though limited.
Whichever option visitors choose, they’ll find it easy to park and explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits on Key West’s rich maritime history.
Review Highlights
Several visitor reviews highlight the museum’s strengths and areas for improvement. The guide received a 3/5 rating, indicating room for enhancement in the quality of the tour. However, the value for money was rated 3.9/5, suggesting visitors felt they received a good deal. The museum was noted as suitable for families and small children, though some reviews mentioned the need for more interactive exhibits. The museum seems to provide a decent experience, with opportunities to improve the guided tours and cater more to diverse audiences.
| Criteria | Rating |
| — | — |
| Guide | 3/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.9/5 |
| Suitability for Families | Suitable |
Suitability for Families
According to visitor reviews, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is well-suited for families and small children.
The museum offers several features that cater to this audience:
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Interactive learning experiences, including audio-visual displays and storytellers in period costumes, engage children and make the history come alive.
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The opportunity to lift a 64-pound silver bar from a 1656 shipwreck provides a hands-on, memorable activity for kids.
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The museum’s main floor is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
While the guide may not be the highlight, the museum’s family-friendly atmosphere and educational offerings make it a great choice for a day out with the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Museum?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the museum. Visitors can take pictures of the exhibits and artifacts on display to capture their experience, though flash photography may be restricted to preserve the condition of the historical items.
How Long Does the Average Visit Last?
The average visit to the museum lasts around 1-2 hours, according to visitor reviews. The museum’s presentations start every 20 minutes, with the last show at 4:40 PM, providing ample time for visitors to explore the exhibits.
Do They Offer Any Guided Tours or Audio Guides?
The museum offers presentations that start every 20 minutes, with the last show at 4:40 PM. However, it doesn’t seem to provide guided tours or audio guides based on the information provided.
Are There Any Age-Specific Activities for Children?
The museum offers interactive learning experiences suitable for families and small children, including audio-visual displays and storytellers in period costumes. There are no age-specific activities, but the overall experience is designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Is There a Gift Shop On-Site?
Yes, the museum has a gift shop on-site where visitors can purchase souvenirs and maritime-themed items. The gift shop offers a range of products, including replicas of artifacts found in the museum’s collection.
The Sum Up
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers an immersive journey through the captivating maritime history of the 1800s. With genuine artifacts, interactive displays, and the chance to lift a 64-pound silver bar, it’s a family-friendly experience that’s not to be missed. Tickets start at just $19.34 per person, and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a convenient and engaging way to explore the rich history of Key West.
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