Key West & Lower Florida Keys — Things to Do

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

History

Getaway Unpacked Edit

The Spanish Colonial mansion where Hemingway wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls. Tour the house, meet the 50+ six-toed cats descended from his original polydactyl cats.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Hemingway bought this Spanish Colonial mansion in 1931 and lived here for a decade — writing some of his finest works in the poolhouse studio out back. The house is impeccably preserved. The 50+ polydactyl cats that roam the property are all descended from his original six-toed cat and are still named after celebrities. Among the most visited literary museums in the United States.

What Stands Out

  • Hemingway wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls here
  • 50+ polydactyl (six-toed) cats roam free — all descendants of the original
  • Original furnishings and Hemingway's private studio preserved
  • Among the most visited literary museums in the US
  • Guided tours run every 30 minutes
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