Permanent & Special Exhibits
Our permanent galleries explore the people, ships, storms, and waters that shaped the Florida Keys — plus rotating special exhibits throughout the year.
The core stories of our islands — on view year-round. From Flagler's railway and the Great Hurricane to wreckers, legends, and the Sport Fishing Capital of the World.
On view now
Opened in April 2025, this interactive exhibit follows the ingenuity that brought fresh water and electricity to the island chain — from rainwater cisterns and household generators to today’s utility systems. Build your own aqueduct, explore Florida’s aquifers, and test your electrical-safety knowledge. Presented with the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, with support from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
On view now
Henry Flagler's Over-Sea Railway was called the eighth wonder of the world — an iron road carried on concrete arches across open ocean, from Homestead to Key West, completed in 1912 at a cost no railroad had ever attempted. For more than two decades the trains brought the islands their mail, freight, and visitors, and carried Key West pineapples, sponges, and cigar workers' hopes north. On Labor Day 1935, the strongest hurricane ever to strike the United States swept much of it into the sea. Follow the remarkable story of what rose from that wreckage: the bridges repurposed for cars and the Overseas Highway that carries the Keys today — a road built on the rails' foundations.
On view now
The strongest hurricane ever to strike the United States came ashore in the Upper Keys on Labor Day 1935. Exhibits and firsthand accounts tell of the storm, its aftermath, and the resilience of the community that rebuilt.
On view now
For centuries the Keys' reefs claimed ships of the Spanish treasure fleets. Explore the galleons, the pirates who prowled these waters, and the wreckers of Key West who made their living from salvage.
On view now
Long before bridges spanned the channels, the first people of the Keys lived among these islands. Discover their story, and the dramatic history of Indian Key — from a thriving wrecking port to its destruction in 1840.
On view now
Developed in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory, this exhibit features three living aquariums and explores the Keys' unique coral reef ecosystem — and the challenges it faces today.
On view now
Explore the vital connection between healthy seagrass, thriving fisheries, and the future of sportfishing in the Florida Keys. Created in partnership with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, the exhibit also features the BTT Circle of Honor, recognizing legendary conservationists, guides, and anglers who have helped preserve these waters for future generations.
On view now
For generations, Islamorada’s legendary guides have drawn anglers from across the globe in pursuit of tarpon, bonefish, permit, and more. Explore the people, places, and unforgettable fishing experiences that helped earn Islamorada its reputation as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World.
Rotating exhibitions created with our partners, included with admission.
From Soil to Sea
Have a recipe that tastes like home? Share a family favorite, fresh-catch specialty, or beloved Keys dish with Soil to Sea and help us preserve the flavors and stories of our island community.
A look at what's in the works for our galleries.
Coming soon
Islamorada's flats have lured presidents as well as record-seekers. George H. W. Bush fished these waters before, during, and after his presidency — guided here in 1990 by Islamorada's own George Hommell Jr., and returning year after year to the Cheeca Lodge bonefish tournament. Herbert Hoover kept coming back too, fishing the Upper Keys with guide Calvin Albury for more than a decade. Discover how the pursuit of tarpon and bonefish brought Anglers-in-Chief to our islands — and helped make Islamorada the Sport Fishing Capital of the World.
Coming soon
From pioneering captains and guides to record-setting anglers and conservation leaders, this display will highlight the women who challenged expectations, made their mark on the sport, and helped build the Keys’ reputation as a world-class fishing destination. Through historic photographs and artifacts, visitors will discover a side of Florida Keys fishing history that has too often gone untold.
Exhibitions that have finished their run in our galleries — kept here so the stories stay easy to find.
Closed
Unearthing the Keys told the history of archaeology in the islands — the methods archaeologists use to carefully uncover the past, and the finds themselves: tools, pottery, shipwreck artifacts, and everyday objects that tell the story of the people who lived on and shaped these islands.
Closed
What can an old bottle tell us about life in the Keys? Unearthed from local mangroves, these everyday objects reveal what people bought, drank, produced, and traded in the early 20th century, and how even ordinary trash can become a piece of history.
Closed
Experience the storms that shaped the Florida Keys through the headlines that captured them. Historic newspapers reveal how communities experienced, reported, and recovered from some of the most powerful hurricanes in Keys history.
In the theater
Take a seat and experience the Florida Keys through the people who lived it. Our theater features documentaries and firsthand stories exploring the remarkable events, personalities, and adventures that shaped our islands.
Hear the story of the devastating 1935 Labor Day Hurricane from those who survived it. Through firsthand interviews and historic accounts, Deadly Deluge preserves the memories of one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the Florida Keys.
Called by some the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Overseas Railroad transformed the Florida Keys. This documentary follows Henry Flagler’s ambitious effort to extend his railroad across the islands to Key West, and the extraordinary engineering required to build a railway across the sea.
You’ll have to hear them to believe them! Local guides and fishermen share unforgettable stories from life on the water, from record-breaking catches and unexpected encounters to daring rescues and incredible adventures. Featured stories rotate, so there’s always another fish tale to discover.
Help preserve and renew these stories by making a gift.
Looking for more Florida Keys stories? Explore our blog
All exhibits are included with admission. Call (305) 922-2237 or email us to hear what's on now.
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Memberships begin at $75 and help conserve the Keys, inspire discovery, and keep our community engaged.
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Annual giving begins at $500 and sustains dynamic exhibits, innovative programs, community events, and the Keys Heritage Ledger.
