East Martello Museum & Gallery

The Fort East Martello Museum and Gardens offers an opportunity for visitors and residents of the area to experience the story of Key West history. The tower was designed after the coastal Martello watchtowers in Italy, though this tower has never seen military action. The outer bulwark and inner citadel have eight-foot thick granite walls, intended to offer protection should there be an attack during the Civil War. Today the tower is home to a collection of artifacts from Key West history, as well as military memorabilia and historical records. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and view the surrounding area including the Atlantic coast of Key West. The garden area is home to an 80-year-old playhouse that offers children's theater performances and teaches how kids lived in the original days of Key West. The galleries include the state's biggest collection of painted wood carvings and drawings by artist Mario Sanchez. There is also a scrap metal sculpture by Stanley Papio. There are temporary exhibits that change from time to time at the gallery. The museum is located on South Roosevelt Boulevard and is open from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm, but closed on Christmas Day. Admission as of 2011 is $7 for adults which discounts offered for children, seniors and members of the museum and gallery.