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One of the most intriguing aspects of the Hemingway House is its famous population of cats. Ernest Hemingway was gifted a white six-toed cat by a ship’s captain, and many of the cats that currently reside on the museum grounds are descendants of that original feline, known as Snow White. These unique polydactyl cats have become synonymous with the Hemingway House and are a favorite among visitors. Key West’s small island size makes it possible that many of the cats on the island are related, adding to the charm and mystique of the Hemingway Cats. Nestled in the heart of Key West, Florida, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum stands as a tribute to the literary giant’s profound legacy. The home, now a museum, provides visitors a window into Hemingway’s life and writings, the very walls echoing with the history of his storied career.
Hemingway's six-toed cat was a local celebrity
It’s an experience that every literature enthusiast should have, as it brings us closer to the brilliance of Hemingway’s writing and the profound impact he continues to have on readers around the globe. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Key West, the Hemingway House is a must-visit attraction for literature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Its rich history and serene ambiance make it an ideal sanctuary for those seeking inspiration and a deeper connection with one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. Excavating the limestone for the pool was a massive undertaking, and the project cost $20,000 when construction finished in 1938 (that’s about $365,916 in today’s dollars). When Hemingway returned, he famously shouted, “Pauline, you’ve spent all but my last penny, so you might as well have that! A notable spot on the grounds is the swimming pool, which Pauline built when Hemingway was away covering the Spanish Civil War as a correspondent.
Visiting the Hemingway House in Key West
You can purchase tickets on-site or in advance, allowing you to explore at your own pace and gain a deeper understanding of Hemingway’s legacy. For literature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a unique and immersive cultural experience, a visit to the Hemingway House in Key West is an absolute must. It offers a rare glimpse into the life and works of one of America’s literary legends and provides a deeper understanding of the historical and architectural significance of this remarkable landmark. The Hemingway House in Key West, Florida is not only a cherished literary destination but also a designated National Historic Landmark. Built in 1851 in a French Colonial style by marine architect Asa Tift, this historic home holds significant historical and architectural value in addition to its association with iconic American writer Ernest Hemingway. The Hemingway House stands as a testament to the rich history of Key West and the cultural impact of one of America’s greatest literary figures.
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Within these walls, Hemingway penned literary classics such as “A Farewell to Arms” and “To Have and Have Not,” the latter inspired by the surroundings of the Depression-era Florida Keys. The lush grounds, the preserved living quarters, and the intimate access to Hemingway’s personal artifacts all combine to celebrate the author’s enduring influence on literature and American culture. Many of the unique furnishings are European antiques collected during their stay on the continent. The trophy mounts and skins were souvenirs of the Hemingways’ African safaris and numerous hunting expeditions in the American west.
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They divorced after he returned from the Spanish Civil War, where he had worked as a journalist and which formed the basis for his 1940 novel For Whom the Bell Tolls. He and Gellhorn separated after he met Mary Welsh in London during World War II. Hemingway was present with Allied troops as a journalist at the Normandy landings and the liberation of Paris. He maintained permanent residences in Key West, Florida, in the 1930s and in Cuba in the 1940s and 1950s. On a 1954 trip to Africa, he was seriously injured in two plane accidents on successive days, leaving him in pain and ill health for much of the rest of his life.
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About the Hemingway Museum in Key West: A Cultural Heritage Spotlight
Although it was his idea to build a pool, he left the oversight of the project to Pauline while he was away. Hemingway would sometimes joke that he chose the location of the house because of its proximity to the lighthouse. On drunken evenings returning from his favorite bar, Sloppy Joe’s, he’d never get lost making his way home. Bernice Dixon, a local jewelry store owner, bought the house at auction after Hemingway’s death for $80,000.
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About half of the cats at the museum have six or even seven toes on each front paw, but all the cats carry the polydactyl gene and can pass on the trait to their offspring. Our tour of the two-story, 3000-square-foot Spanish Colonial began downstairs in the parlor. This sun-filled room is full of Hemingway memorabilia from various periods along with furniture Pauline collected when she lived in Paris. Dixon left the property to her family, who continue to operate the Hemingway Home and Museum today.
As you explore the Hemingway House, you’ll be captivated by the rich collection of memorabilia that showcases Hemingway’s love for fishing and the sea. In the iconic living room, you’ll find artifacts and mementos from his fishing adventures, including the famous fishing boat, Pilar. This room is a testament to Hemingway’s deep connection to the ocean and his passion for the sport of angling.
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The Hemingway House Key West, also known as the Hemingway House Museum Key West, is a treasured literary destination nestled in the heart of Florida. This historic residence was once home to the iconic American writer, Ernest Hemingway, during the 1930s. Today, it has been transformed into a captivating museum that allows visitors to delve into the life and works of this Nobel Prize-winning author. This house-turned-museum at 907 Whitehead Street, which once brimmed with Hemingway’s creative spirit, now opens its doors daily to the public, offering guided tours and a glimpse into the author’s Key West lifestyle.
This project was made possible by a grant award from the Idaho Heritage Trust. We are pleased and thankful to be able to protect the house collections from the beautiful but harmful rays of sunlight that come through the windows. Jerry Joyce has been a Florida resident since 1988 and has lived in a variety of places in the South Florida area.
Throughout the years, Key West has been home to many writers and artists, but none whose presence and influence is as profound as Ernest Hemingway’s. Because the car had been delayed in transit, the Ford dealership insisted that they take up residence in an apartment located above the showroom on Simonton Street. Ernest and Pauline accepted the offer, and he resumed work on a war story he had started on the ocean passage to Key West.
Our short tour outside focused on just the highlights of the grounds, but our guide encouraged us to explore the property as much as we liked after the guided portion of our visit. You won’t get a full history of Hemingway’s life and body of work on this 30-minute tour. But even those completely unaware of his story or his impact on American literature will leave with a basic understanding of the legend of this complex man. Electricity was added to the house around 1899, and plumbing was installed about 1944, when Key West began receiving piped-in water from Florida City. Prior to that date, the islanders collected rainwater in cisterns, two of which are still on the property today. Tickets include an optional 30-minute guided tour of the house and grounds, but you’re welcome to explore the property on your own.
It remained vacant for the next 10 years, until Hemingway’s death, after which his heirs sold it. The new owners, who had planned to live in the house, found that most of the furnishings and other memorabilia remained there, and they opened it as a museum in 1964. The Ernest Hemingway House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1958. It is packed with Hemingway memorabilia—his typewriter, photos, and animal skins.
Pfeiffer found a house for sale at auction, and her uncle purchased it for $8,000 (approximately $134,00 today) as a belated wedding gift. Prior to coming to this house, Hemingway was living in Key West for 3 years in other rented houses. Gus, uncle of Pauline and second wife of Hemingway bought the house for his niece and her husband, paying $8,000 in 1931 as cash. He presented the house to them as their wedding gift, when they got married. The property layout includes several outbuildings that serve as functional extensions of the main house.
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