Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - a sign on a building
1 / 10

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

4.6
·17k reviews·Key West, United States

Step into the historic Key West home of literary giant Ernest Hemingway, now a sanctuary for his beloved six-toed cats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more cat time

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - a sign on a building

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more cat time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the historic Key West home of literary giant Ernest Hemingway, now a sanctuary for his beloved six-toed cats.

4.6
(17k reviews)

"A must-visit for history buffs and cat lovers, offering a unique glimpse into Hemingway's life."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Meet the 6-Toed Cats

The polydactyl cats are the stars! They roam freely, so be gentle and enjoy their unique charm.

🚶‍♀️ Take a Guided Tour

Guides offer fascinating stories about Hemingway and the house. Highly recommended!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Polydactyl Cats

The Polydactyl Cats

Throughout the grounds

Meet the charming six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway's original feline friends. They're the true stars!

Hemingway's Writing Studio

Hemingway's Writing Studio

Separate studio on the property

Step into the space where literary masterpieces were crafted. It's remarkably preserved.

Spanish Colonial Architecture

Spanish Colonial Architecture

The main house

Admire the beautiful architecture and lush gardens of this historic Key West residence.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Feline Residents

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is famously home to dozens of polydactyl (six-toed) cats, descendants of Hemingway's own beloved pets. These charming felines roam freely, adding a unique, living dimension to the historic house. Be prepared for their presence and enjoy their playful antics!

Guided Tours Enhance the Experience

While you can explore independently, a guided tour offers invaluable insights into Hemingway's life, his writing process, and the history of the house. Guides are often passionate and knowledgeable, bringing the stories of this iconic author and his home to life. Consider booking a tour to truly appreciate the significance of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more cat time
Crowd
Low
When
Off-season weekends
Why
Less busy than peak season
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cat news of the day: Ernest Hemingway’s former house is now a cat sanctuary for polydactyl cats. Hemingway had a love for polydactyl cats… and that love lives on at the Hemingway Home and Museum! The museum’s website is hemingwayhome.com 📸 Hemingway Home and Museum #catsoftiktok #hemingway #hemingwaycats #polydactylcatsoftiktok #catnews #goodnews
@thatgoodnewsgirl
20.3K likes • 156.2K views

🐾 Meet the 6-Toed Cats

The polydactyl cats are the stars! They roam freely, so be gentle and enjoy their unique charm. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Take a Guided Tour

Guides offer fascinating stories about Hemingway and the house. Highly recommended! Reddit

Replying to @Bunycatt rules never apply to cats #keywest #hemingwayhome #hemingwayhouse #cat #ernesthemingway
@chutneys.clowder
17.7K likes • 132.6K views
. . Earnest Hemingway’s House in Key West. Home to the iconic author from 1931-1939. Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West is a stunning Spanish colonial home, featuring lush gardens, vibrant bougainvillea, and the famous Hemingway cats. Its charming architecture reflects the writer’s adventurous spirit and creativity. It’s a must visit historic home during your Key West stay! Go early! It’s gets...
travel.tim.diane
0 likes • 940 views

📸 Capture the Charm

The gardens and architecture are beautiful. Don't forget your camera for the cats too! Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

Key West can be hot and humid. Bring water, especially if visiting during warmer months. Reddit

Cat news of the day: Ernest Hemingway’s former house is now a cat sanctuary for polydactyl cats. Hemingway had a love for polydactyl cats… and that love lives on at the Hemingway Home and Museum! The museum’s website is hemingwayhome.com 📸 Hemingway Home and Museum #catsoftiktok #hemingway #hemingwaycats #polydactylcatsoftiktok #catnews #goodnews
thatgoodnewsgirl
5.6K likes • 43.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Meet the 6-Toed Cats

The polydactyl cats are the stars! They roam freely, so be gentle and enjoy their unique charm. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Take a Guided Tour

Guides offer fascinating stories about Hemingway and the house. Highly recommended! Reddit

📸 Capture the Charm

The gardens and architecture are beautiful. Don't forget your camera for the cats too! Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

Key West can be hot and humid. Bring water, especially if visiting during warmer months. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly (with caveats)

Well-behaved dogs are allowed if carried the entire time. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum for its rich history, the charm of its polydactyl cat residents, and the knowledgeable guides. Many find it a highlight of their Key West trip, offering a unique glimpse into the life of a literary icon. Some note that tours can move quickly, and parking can be challenging.

"Visiting the home where lived for 8.5 years with his second wife, Pauline, in Key West was one of our favorite experiences on the island. Here are some highlights and tips from our visit:

• Guided Tour: We had the pleasure of touring with Greg, who was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and passionate about Hemingway’s life and legacy. He shared fascinating stories about the house, the family, and Ernest Hemingway himself, which made the history come alive.

• Favorite Fact: One of the most interesting things I learned is that Hemingway wrote 47 different endings to A Farewell to Arms. Hearing about his creative process and seeing where he lived and worked was cool.

• Cats: The property is full of charm thanks to its many feline residents. We counted around 61 cats, many descendants of Hemingway’s own original 6-toed cat, which made the house feel like a living museum.

• Dog Friendly: A nice bonus was being able to bring our small dog, only if we agreed to carry him the entire time we were on the property inside and outside the home. That seems fair given the home seems to belong to the cats! 🐈

• Overall Experience: The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is more than just a historic house. It is a glimpse into the life of one of America’s greatest writers. We left with a deeper appreciation for Hemingway (and honestly, his four wives - especially Pauline, who kicked him out of this house after he cheated on her) and an unforgettable experience. Worth the visit!

*We visited the last weekend of August (Labor Day weekend) which is in the off-season, so not sure how much more crowded it would be during peak season in Key West."

Magen O

"The Hemmingway Home and Museum is a must see attraction in Key West. We took a guided tour and it was informative, though it went kind of fast so I had to revisit some of the rooms to get more details from the photos on the wall. There’s a beautiful garden to walk in and you also get to see his writing studio, which they say is pretty much intact. (See photo)
The home and grounds are also home to many cats and the 6 toed cats are descendants from the cats he used to own.
If you are military, you get in for half price for your entire group.
If you found this review helpful, please give it a thumbs up. Thank you."

The House of Jane

"This has been our first stop in Key West for over 20 years. Museum is full of interesting information but the real reason we visit is for the six toed cats. They are all so adorable and sweet. Gardens are amazing. Staff is super friendly. Always a great place to visit."

Shana F

What People Like

Fascinating polydactyl cats
Knowledgeable and engaging guides
Historic home and gardens

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Tours can be fast-paced

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is located at 907 Whitehead Street in Key West, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, taxi, or even a pleasant walk if you're staying nearby in Old Town Key West. Parking can be limited in the area, so consider ride-sharing or public transport if possible. Reddit

Parking directly at the Hemingway Home & Museum is very limited. Street parking is available nearby, but it can be competitive, especially during peak tourist times. Many visitors opt to walk or use ride-sharing services. Reddit

Key West is very walkable and bike-friendly. Many visitors enjoy exploring the island on foot or by renting bicycles. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available for longer distances. Reddit

Key West has a public bus system, the 'Old Town Trolley Tours' and 'Conch Tour Train' which stop near the Hemingway Home & Museum, making it convenient to reach. Check their schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

The grounds are generally accessible, but some areas of the historic house may present challenges due to stairs and narrow passages. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but generally, adult admission is around $17-$20, with discounts for seniors, students, and children. Military personnel often receive half-price admission for their entire group. It's best to check the official website, hemingwayhome.com, for the most current pricing. Reddit

While you can often purchase tickets upon arrival, buying tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to save time and guarantee entry. Check hemingwayhome.com for online booking options. Reddit

The museum is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, hours can sometimes vary, so it's always a good idea to confirm on their official website before your visit. Reddit

Yes, discounts are often available for seniors, students, and children. Military personnel can also get half-price admission for their entire group. Check the museum's website or inquire at the ticket counter for details. Reddit

Some Key West attraction passes may include admission to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. It's worth checking the details of any pass you are considering to see if it offers savings. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore Hemingway's beautifully preserved home, his writing studio, and the lush tropical gardens. The main attraction for many is meeting the famous polydactyl cats that inhabit the property. TikTokInstagram

Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the home, gardens, and interacting with the cats. If you opt for a guided tour and want to linger, you might spend a bit longer. Reddit

The cats are generally accustomed to people and are often quite friendly and curious. They roam freely, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to see them lounging or playing. TikTokInstagram

Photography is generally allowed on the grounds and in the gardens. However, photography inside the main house may be restricted to preserve the historic interiors. Check for signage or ask a staff member. Instagram

Yes, there is a gift shop located on the property where you can purchase souvenirs, books, and other items related to Ernest Hemingway and the museum. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum does not have a restaurant or cafe on-site. However, there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding Key West area, including restaurants and cafes just a short walk away. Reddit

Several highly-rated restaurants are within walking distance. Moondog Cafe is often recommended as being next door. Other popular spots in the vicinity offer a range of cuisines, from casual to fine dining. Reddit

It's generally best to consume any food or drinks outside the museum grounds or before entering to avoid any potential issues with the historic interiors or the resident cats. Reddit

While there aren't designated picnic areas within the museum itself, you might find suitable spots in nearby public parks or along the waterfront if you plan to bring your own food. Reddit

Key West cuisine often features fresh seafood, Cuban influences, and tropical flavors. Don't miss trying local specialties like Key lime pie, conch fritters, and fresh fish dishes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The six-toed cats are a major draw for photographers! Also, capture the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, the vibrant tropical gardens, and the iconic writing studio. TikTokInstagram

Photography inside the main house is often restricted to protect the historic artifacts and interiors. However, you can usually take photos in the gardens and on the grounds. Always check for specific rules. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow on the house and gardens. Instagram

Absolutely! The cats are a highlight, and visitors are encouraged to photograph them. Just be respectful of their space and avoid using flash photography directly in their eyes. TikTokInstagram

The iconic pool (though it's a bit of a story behind it!), the writing studio, and any spot where the cats are lounging are popular photo opportunities. The lush greenery of the gardens also makes for beautiful backdrops. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is a hit with families, primarily due to the famous polydactyl cats! Kids are fascinated by the six-toed felines that roam the property. It's a fun and engaging way to introduce children to history and literature in a lighthearted manner. TikTokInstagram

While the guided tours offer historical context, you can also let kids explore the gardens and interact with the cats at their own pace. The separate writing studio can also spark imagination. Remember that dogs are allowed if carried, which might be a bonus for some families. Reddit

📚 Book Lovers & Literary Enthusiasts

For anyone who admires Ernest Hemingway's work, this is a pilgrimage site. You'll get to walk through the home where he lived and wrote, seeing firsthand the environment that inspired classics like A Farewell to Arms. The guided tours are particularly valuable, offering deep dives into his writing process and personal life. InstagramReddit

Don't miss the writing studio, which remains much as Hemingway left it. It’s a powerful connection to his creative genius. The museum shop also offers a selection of his books and related literary merchandise. Reddit

🐾 Animal Lovers

This is paradise for cat lovers! The nearly 60 polydactyl cats are the undisputed stars of the show. You'll have ample opportunity to see them lounging, playing, and interacting with visitors. TikTokInstagram

Learn about their unique genetics and their lineage from Hemingway's original cat, Snow White. The museum is dedicated to their care, making it a responsible and enjoyable place for animal enthusiasts to visit. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of the Polydactyl Cats

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is as famous for its feline residents as it is for its literary history. These aren't just any cats; they are polydactyl cats, meaning they have more than the usual number of toes. Hemingway himself had a fondness for these unique creatures, and the current colony are descendants of his original six-toed cat, Snow White, a gift from a ship's captain. TikTokInstagram

Visitors often delight in spotting these extra-toed felines lounging in the sun, exploring the gardens, or even interacting with guests. Each cat is named after a famous person, adding another layer of charm to their presence. The museum actively cares for these cats, ensuring they have a comfortable and loving environment, making the home feel like a living tribute to both Hemingway and his beloved pets. TikTokInstagram

The presence of the cats transforms the historic house into a whimsical sanctuary, offering a unique and memorable experience that goes beyond a typical museum visit. It's a testament to Hemingway's love for animals and a delightful surprise for many visitors. Instagram

Hemingway's Life in Key West

Ernest Hemingway lived in this Key West home with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, from 1931 to 1939. It was during this prolific period that he penned some of his most iconic works, including A Farewell to Arms and To Have and Have Not. The house itself, a beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture, served as his sanctuary and workspace. Instagram+1

The home features a separate writing studio, where Hemingway would retreat to focus on his craft. Visitors can explore this space, imagining the author at his desk, wrestling with words and crafting literary masterpieces. The interior of the house is furnished with artifacts and decor that reflect Hemingway's life and tastes, offering a glimpse into his personal world. Reddit

This period in Key West was crucial for Hemingway's literary output and personal life. The house stands as a tangible link to that era, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of a literary giant and gain a deeper appreciation for his enduring legacy. Instagram

Exploring the Gardens and Architecture

Beyond the literary history and feline inhabitants, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum boasts stunning Spanish colonial architecture and beautifully maintained tropical gardens. The house itself is a visual treat, with its distinctive design and charming details that transport visitors back in time. Instagram

The gardens are a lush oasis, filled with vibrant flora, winding paths, and tranquil seating areas. It's a perfect spot to wander, take in the serene atmosphere, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the resident cats enjoying the shade. The contrast between the historic home and the verdant surroundings creates a picturesque setting that is a joy to explore. Reddit

The combination of architectural beauty and natural splendor makes the grounds of the Hemingway Home a significant part of the visitor experience. It’s a place where history, nature, and a touch of literary magic converge. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2