Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets

The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the captivating history of maritime salvage operations in the Florida Keys. With interactive exhibits showcasing genuine artifacts recovered from real shipwrecks, the museum transports guests back in time. Whether you’re intrigued by the prospect of lifting a 64-pound silver bar or exploring a faithful recreation of a 19th-century wrecker’s warehouse, this family-friendly attraction promises an educational and immersive experience. While the museum’s ticket prices may vary depending on the package you choose, the chance to uncover the secrets of the region’s seafaring past is well worth the investment.

Key Points

• Tickets to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum provide access to interactive exhibits showcasing genuine artifacts from Florida Keys shipwrecks.
• Visitors can lift a 64-pound silver bar from the 1656 wreck of Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas.
• The museum offers audio-visual displays and costumed storytellers to immerse guests in the history of 19th-century shipwrecking.
• A 65-foot lookout tower offers stunning views of the Florida Keys, evoking the perspective of wreckers.
• The museum’s faithful recreation of a 19th-century wrecker’s warehouse adds to the immersive historical experience.

Overview of the Museum

The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers visitors a family-friendly experience to learn about the history of shipwrecks and salvaging in the Key West and Florida Keys region.

Spread across two floors, the museum showcases genuine artifacts recovered from real shipwrecks, allowing guests to interact with audio-visual displays and learn from costumed storytellers.

Highlights include the opportunity to lift a 64-pound silver bar from the 1656 wreck of the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas.

The museum also recreates the 19th-century warehouse of wrecker tycoon Asa Tift, providing an immersive glimpse into the economic importance of shipwrecking and salvaging in Key West’s history.

Highlights of the Experience

Visitors can interact with a variety of engaging exhibits and displays that showcase the museum’s impressive collection of genuine artifacts recovered from real shipwrecks.

Among the highlights is the opportunity to lift a 64-pound silver bar from the 1656 shipwreck of Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas.

Interactive audio-visual displays and costumed storytellers bring the museum’s history to life, transporting guests back to the 19th-century heyday of Key West’s wrecker economy.

The museum’s 65-foot lookout tower provides a unique vantage point to admire the stunning views of the Florida Keys.

With presentations every 20 minutes, visitors can easily fit the museum into their day’s itinerary.

Historical Context

Shipwrecking and salvaging were the foundation of Key West’s economy in the 1800s, propelling the city to become the richest per capita in the United States by the mid-1850s.

This economic boom was driven by the treacherous waters surrounding the Florida Keys, which claimed many ships and their valuable cargo. Local residents, known as ‘wreckers,’ would race to salvage these shipwrecks, earning a lucrative living from the spoils.

The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers visitors a glimpse into this fascinating history, showcasing genuine artifacts recovered from real-life wrecks. Through interactive exhibits and storytelling, guests can enjoy the thrilling world of 19th-century shipwrecking and the role it played in shaping the development of Key West.

Recreating the Past

The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum faithfully recreates the 19th-century warehouse of wrecker tycoon Asa Tift, immersing visitors in the thrilling era of shipwrecking and salvage that defined the city’s history.

Highlights of the museum experience include:

• A 65-foot lookout tower that evokes the vantage points used by wreckers to spot distressed vessels
• Interactive audio-visual displays and costumed storytellers that bring the past to life
• The chance to lift a 64-pound silver bar recovered from the 1656 wreck of the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas
• Galleries showcasing genuine artifacts salvaged from real shipwrecks off the Florida Keys

This one-of-a-kind attraction transports guests back in time, offering a captivating glimpse into Key West’s rich maritime heritage.

Interactive Learning Opportunities

Beyond the recreated 19th-century warehouse setting, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers a range of interactive learning opportunities that engage visitors of all ages.

Visitors can explore the museum’s two floors of genuine artifacts recovered from real shipwrecks, including the chance to lift a 64-pound silver bar from the 1656 wreck of the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas.

Interactive audio-visual displays and costumed storytellers bring the museum’s history to life, transporting guests back in time to the era when shipwrecking and salvaging were the foundations of Key West’s economy.

With engaging presentations every 20 minutes, the museum provides an immersive and educational experience for the whole family.

Ticket Information and Logistics

Visitors can purchase tickets to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum starting at $17.99 per person. The museum offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and visitors can reserve now and pay later.

The main floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible, and presentations are offered every 20 minutes, with the last show at 4:40 PM.

Parking is available at Mallory Square or The Westin.

The museum features a 65-foot lookout tower.

Presentations are given by storytellers in period costumes.

Visitors can try lifting a 64-pound silver bar from a 1656 shipwreck.

Accessibility Considerations

While the main floor of the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is wheelchair accessible, visitors should note that the upper floors and 65-foot lookout tower are only accessible by stairs.

This means that guests with mobility challenges may not be able to fully explore the museum’s exhibits and displays on the second level.

However, the museum staff is dedicated to ensuring all visitors have an enjoyable and educational experience. They’re happy to provide assistance and accommodate guests’ needs to the best of their abilities.

Guests are encouraged to speak with museum staff upon arrival to discuss any accessibility requirements or concerns they may have.

Presentation Schedule

The museum offers presentations every 20 minutes, with the last show at 4:40 PM. This schedule is designed to provide visitors with a flexible and convenient experience.

Presentations cover a range of topics, from the history of shipwrecking and salvaging in the Florida Keys to the stories behind the museum’s impressive collection of artifacts.

Guests can time their visits to coincide with the presentations that interest them most, ensuring they don’t miss out on the engaging narratives and interactive demonstrations.

The presentations are led by knowledgeable and passionate storytellers, who bring the museum’s exhibits to life through vivid descriptions and captivating anecdotes.

With presentations every 20 minutes, visitors can easily fit the museum into their busy schedules and maximize their time exploring the fascinating world of shipwreck salvaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Museum?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the museum. However, they should be respectful and avoid using flash or disrupting the exhibits. Specific policies may vary, so it’s best to check with the staff upon arrival.

Is There a Gift Shop On-Site?

Yes, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum has an on-site gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, jewelry, and other items related to the museum’s shipwreck and maritime history theme.

Are Pets Allowed Inside the Museum?

The museum does not allow pets inside, as it is a family-friendly experience focused on educating visitors about shipwrecks and salvaging history. Guests are advised to plan accordingly and leave their pets at home when visiting the museum.

How Long Does the Average Visit Last?

The average visit to the museum typically lasts around 1-2 hours, as visitors explore the interactive exhibits, watch presentations, and learn about the history of shipwrecks and salvaging in the region. The length of the visit can vary depending on one’s interests.

Do Visitors Receive a Guided Tour?

Visitors don’t receive a guided tour at the museum. Instead, they can explore the exhibits at their own pace, with presentations happening every 20 minutes to provide additional context and insights about the shipwrecks and artifacts on display.

Recap

The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the captivating history of the Florida Keys’ maritime past.

With its interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and faithful recreations, the museum provides an educational and engaging experience for all ages.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a family-friendly adventure, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is a must-visit destination that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.