Awash in tropical hues, Key West is an artist’s paradise where creativity meets natural beauty. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or simply an appreciator of beauty, a Key West vacation offers the opportunity to dive into an art scene as colorful and vibrant as the town.
From its eclectic Key West art galleries to impromptu street exhibitions, art is as essential to the Key West experience as its stunning sunsets and iconic pastel-hued homes.
Your Key West vacation rental can be the perfect base to explore this vibrant tapestry of artistic expression. From traditional art to avant-garde installations, exploring Key West art is among the most engaging things to do in Key West.
Wyland Gallery
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Key West art at the renowned Wyland Gallery. A must-visit for first-time and seasoned art collectors, the gallery is the collaborative vision of Jay Shaffer, Guy Vincent, and Wyland, aiming to connect art enthusiasts with distinctive pieces from the Florida Keys.
Wyland Gallery stands as a treasure trove in Key West. Offering a warm and inviting environment, it treats every visitor as an extended family member. Their repeat collectors cherish this personalized approach.
The gallery’s breathtaking array of art spans across styles and origins, making it one of the most diverse things to do in Key West. With over 50 years of combined experience in the Art World, the curators have built a coveted reputation for networking and representing top-selling and highly collectible artists from around the country and overseas.
Gingerbread Square Gallery
Nestled amidst the tropical foliage and charming historical buildings of upper Duval Street, you’ll discover Key West’s oldest and most respected private art gallery, the Gingerbread Square Gallery. This treasure among Key West art galleries, housed within a picturesque Victorian building with clapboard siding and shutters, takes you back to the sophisticated Key West of yesteryear.
Founded in 1974 by Key West’s beloved former mayor, Richard Heyman, the gallery’s rich history is as captivating as the art it showcases. With a resume boasting exhibits from renowned artists like Van Eno, Tennessee Williams, and Henry Faulkner, it continues to impress art lovers with its high-caliber and diverse selection, rivaling major metropolitan galleries.
The gallery’s offerings celebrate the island’s tropical and multicultural spirit, featuring artists whose styles reflect these unique flavors. Notably, the gallery represents Key West’s native son, Sal Salinero, whose lush rainforest paintings capture the verdant paradise of Key West, earning him international recognition.
Key West Art Center & Gallery
Enrich your Key West vacation by immersing yourself in the local art scene at the Key West Art Center & Gallery. A non-profit organization housed in a charming, historic wooden building in the heart of the city’s old town waterfront area, the Art Center is a vibrant hub for over 50 dedicated local artists from the Florida Keys.
The building, dating back to the 1890s, has a rich history. Originally a grocery store owned by the Babcock family, it later served as the first WPA Art Project site under President Roosevelt, helping revive the city’s economy during the Great Depression. The building was saved from demolition in the 1960s by a group of artists and businessmen and converted into the art center and gallery we see today.
Key West Gallery
For those looking to experience the contemporary art scene during their Key West vacation, a visit to the Key West Gallery is a must. Opened in 2006 by owner Kellie Alpert, this privately owned gem, nestled at 601 Duval St, has become a prominent spot among the art galleries in Key West.
Home to many works from various modern artists, the Key West Gallery is a dynamic display of artistic talent. The selection of artists includes Alexander Volkov, whose landscape masterpieces are drenched in emotion, the vibrant and whimsical paintings of Arcade Latour, and the innovative bronze sculptures of Chris Barela, among many others.
The gallery’s collection is as varied as it is impressive, covering a broad spectrum of styles and mediums. Visitors can admire pieces from modern art to impressionism, with a mix of oils and acrylics that provide a visual feast for art lovers.
Audobon House Gallery
Art enthusiasts, history buffs, and bird lovers will find the Audubon House Gallery a captivating stop during their stay at a Key West vacation home. Located in Key West, Florida, this gallery operates in tandem with the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens historic house museum, a beautiful commemoration of John James Audubon’s visit to the island in the 1830s.
The gallery carries a special connection to Audubon, the famed ornithologist, and painter, who painted several bird species in the area. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of Royal Octavo Edition, original hand-colored lithographs from the 1840s through the 1870s. These miniatures beautifully followed Audubon’s grand work, the “Double Elephant Folio.”
In addition, the gallery features a selection of original 1826-1838 Double Elephant Havell engravings and 1858-1860 Bien Edition chromolithographs. Yet, the Audubon House Gallery is not limited to bird prints. It also offers an array of antique hand-colored botanical prints, nautical charts, maritime history prints, and maps of the West Indies and the Caribbean, adding to the diverse things to do in Key West.
The gallery is not just a place to view and buy art; it also serves as an archival frame shop offering museum-quality framing to protect your art treasures. For those unable to transport their purchases, the gallery provides shipping services worldwide, making it an easy choice when looking for unique souvenirs from your Key West vacation.
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Alan Maltz Gallery
For those seeking to appreciate the visual beauty of Key West through the lens of a seasoned photographer, the Alan S. Maltz Gallery is a must-visit on your Key West vacation. Located on Duval Street, this gallery showcases the exquisite work of Alan S. Maltz, an acclaimed fine art photographer. His work elegantly captures the essence of Key West, making it an essential part of the Key West art scene.
Alan S. Maltz has worked on numerous fine art projects for private, corporate, and public environments. His work graces the walls of not only private residences, such as the Crocker Estate and Fazaeli Residence, but also prestigious corporate and public environments, including the Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas, Southwest Florida International Airport, Orange County Convention Center, and Carnival Cruise Lines.
Even former President and First Lady Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter have chosen Maltz’s art to embellish their private space, a testament to the appeal and quality of his work.
Gallery on Greene
Bursting with cultural vibrancy and creative spirit, the Gallery on Greene is a pivotal part of the Key West art scene. With a history of collaboration with esteemed museums from New York to Havana, this gallery offers a unique blend of artistic traditions, making it a must-visit spot during your Key West vacation.
The Gallery on Greene operates under a philosophy that celebrates the harmonious coexistence of contemporary and traditional styles, in this age where self-expression and personal style reign supreme, the gallery skillfully combines fine art and antique elements within modern interiors, resulting in a sophisticated aesthetic experience.
Specializing in aiding clients in building personalized collections, the gallery’s expert services ensure that acquiring integral items is a seamless and rewarding journey. The gallery’s operator, Nance Frank, brings a wealth of experience. Having curated exhibits, written, published, and held various esteemed positions in the art world, her prowess is evident in the gallery’s impressive offerings.
Your Key West Vacation Home
If you fancy yourself an art enthusiast, then Key West is a no-brainer for your next getaway. Our selection of Key West Vacation Homes set the scene for a truly unforgettable stay with attractions to match. Conveniently located to the area’s most popular activities, our Key West rentals offer a luxurious place to lay your head down at night. Have we convinced you that a Key West vacation should be in your future? Contact us today and let us help you plan your next adventure!
