Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden
A free, open-air garden featuring bronze busts of Key West's historical figures, complete with charming roaming roosters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Roosters are active, fewer crowds
Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden
Best Time
Roosters are active, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, open-air garden featuring bronze busts of Key West's historical figures, complete with charming roaming roosters.
"A fun and interesting stop while you are in the area and it is free just to stroll through."
🐔 Roosters are the stars!
Be ready for the island's famous roosters; they're a highlight and can be quite vocal!
🚶♀️ Stroll and read
Take your time to read the plaques; they offer great insights into Key West's history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sculptures of Key West Icons
Throughout the garden
Discover bronze busts of historical figures like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, each with a story to tell.
The Roaming Roosters
Garden pathways
Enjoy the unique charm of wild roosters and chickens strutting through the garden, a true Key West spectacle.
Historical Plaques
At each sculpture base
Read fascinating inscriptions detailing the lives and contributions of Key West's most influential figures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Roosters!
+1Combine with Mallory Square
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐔 Roosters are the stars!
Be ready for the island's famous roosters; they're a highlight and can be quite vocal!
🚶♀️ Stroll and read
Take your time to read the plaques; they offer great insights into Key West's history.
📍 Next to Mallory Square
Easily accessible and perfect to combine with a visit to Mallory Square.
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy this historical gem without any admission fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐔 Roosters are the stars!
Be ready for the island's famous roosters; they're a highlight and can be quite vocal!
🚶♀️ Stroll and read
Take your time to read the plaques; they offer great insights into Key West's history.
📍 Next to Mallory Square
Easily accessible and perfect to combine with a visit to Mallory Square.
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy this historical gem without any admission fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden a charming and informative free stop, especially for its historical figures and the unique presence of roaming roosters. While small, it offers a worthwhile glimpse into Key West's past, conveniently located near Mallory Square. Some find the sheer number of busts intriguing, while others appreciate the concise historical narratives.
"We just happened along the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden while touring around Key West . It is located next to the Waterfront Playhouse on the backside of Mallory Square. This little park features sculptures (busts) and interesting facts of historical figures who played a roll in the history of the island. There are 36 sculptures by master sculptor James Mastin. A fun and interesting stop while you are in the area and it is free just to stroll through."
ray weithman
"Small park located near Mallory square and contains busts of people who were important in the history of Key West. Also usually has some wild roosters and chickens roaming around. Worth a short visit."
J D
"The historic sculpture garden is a very interesting history of Key West. It has sculptures of individuals who had a prominent role in the history of Key West. Each person depicted had a short story inscribed on their bust. It is worth checking out and easy to do since it is adjacent to Mallory Square."
david o
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located right behind Mallory Square, making it easily accessible on foot if you're in the Old Town area. Many visitors find it during their exploration of the waterfront.
Parking in Key West can be challenging. The closest public parking is typically at the Mallory Square parking garage or street parking in the surrounding area, though it fills up quickly.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Duval Street. Head towards the waterfront and Mallory Square, and you'll find the garden nestled behind the Waterfront Playhouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden is completely free! It's a public park open for everyone to enjoy.
The garden is an outdoor public space and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set closing times, but it's best visited when there's natural light.
Early mornings are great to see the roosters active and avoid crowds. Late afternoons are also popular, especially if you plan to head to Mallory Square for sunset afterward.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The garden features 36 bronze busts created by sculptor James Mastin, honoring prominent figures in Key West's history, such as Ernest Hemingway, Harry S. Truman, and Tennessee Williams.
Yes, each sculpture has a plaque at its base with inscriptions detailing the historical significance and stories of the individuals depicted.
Key West is known for its free-roaming chickens and roosters, and this garden is a popular spot for them. They are a charming, albeit sometimes noisy, part of the local atmosphere. +1
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes here, depending on how much time you dedicate to reading the historical plaques. It's a relatively small and easily navigable space.
The garden is a flat, paved area, making it generally accessible for those with mobility challenges. The pathways are easy to navigate.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture unique shots of the bronze busts, especially with the vibrant Key West atmosphere in the background. The roaming roosters also make for fun, candid photos!
Yes, photography is encouraged! It's a great way to capture the historical figures and the unique charm of the garden.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for personal photography. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the space itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The bronze busts provide a visual introduction to historical figures, and the short, engaging stories on the plaques can spark curiosity about the past. It's a great spot for a quick walk and a chance to learn something new without requiring a long attention span. Keep in mind that while the garden is engaging, it's primarily a place for reading and quiet observation. It's best to manage expectations for very young children who might have shorter attention spans for historical content. However, the novelty of the sculptures and the presence of the chickens make it an interesting stop for most ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with the free sunset celebration at Mallory Square for a full afternoon of entertainment and culture. The garden provides a quiet, informative break from the bustling tourist areas, allowing you to soak in some local history at your own pace.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
+1It offers a quick yet meaningful glimpse into the island's heritage. You can spend just 15-30 minutes here reading the plaques and admiring the sculptures, making it a perfect way to enrich your day-trip experience without taking up too much time. Don't forget to look out for the famous Key West chickens!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sculptor and His Subjects
Visitors often find themselves drawn to the stories behind the faces. The plaque for Sandy Cornish, for instance, is frequently highlighted as a particularly harrowing tale worth reading. This focus on narrative, combined with the artistic merit of Mastin's sculptures, transforms a simple stroll into an engaging historical exploration. It's a place where art and history converge, offering a unique perspective on the personalities that have left an indelible mark on Key West.
While the garden is a place of historical reflection, it also embraces the quirky charm of Key West. The presence of numerous wild chickens and roosters, a common sight throughout the island, adds an unexpected and lively element to the experience. These feathered residents often become impromptu models for photographers and add a touch of local color to the serene setting.
A Free Historical Gem
Many visitors discover the garden serendipitously while exploring the waterfront area. The combination of free entry, historical significance, and proximity to popular attractions makes it an easy recommendation for a quick, enriching stop. It offers a moment of quiet reflection and historical learning amidst the vibrant energy of Key West.
For those looking to connect with the island's past, the garden provides a straightforward and engaging way to do so. The clear, concise historical information presented on each plaque allows for a self-guided tour that can be completed in a short amount of time, yet leaves a lasting impression.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit