Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum

Learn about an important part of Florida’s history at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Explore the wreckage of Spanish galleons and the remnants of cargo ships. Go back in time to the 19th century, when excavating shipwrecks off Key West was a thriving industry. You’ll learn from interactive displays, watch informative video presentations and see real artifacts salvaged from these vessels.

Your shipwreck voyage begins in 1856, the year the Isaac Allerton sank. On your visit to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, view artifacts from this ship, one of the richest shipwrecks in Key West history. Spend hours exploring the remnants of old ships and learning about the fascinating salvage industry through artifacts and interactive exhibits.

Learn about how shipwrecks became a profession that made Key West one of the richest cities in America. See what it was like to work in the dangerous shipwreck scavenge industry back in the mid-19th century, as well what sorts of rewards were reaped. Sift through artifacts and watch informative video presentations as you dive deeper into this fascinating world. Watch actual underwater footage of a shipwreck. And summon all your strength to lift a silver bar salvaged from a Spanish galleon.

Learn the intriguing story of the Isaac Allerton. Many of the treasures throughout the museum were excavated from its watery grave. Find out about the people who struck it rich risking their lives to recover wealth from the sea. Then do as the ship captains once did and climb a 65-foot (20-meter) observation tower for the pinnacle of your museum experience.