Tennessee Williams House

What a little gem in Key West! We had no idea how amazing this little museum would be until we walked around. We learned so much about Tennessee Williams. What a treasure he was to America! The museum was filled with memorabilia that was so informative about his incredible life. Only suggestion: If you are going to accept reduced admission, please make sure your ticket seller is kind about it. We felt very judged about getting a discount. We almost left out of embarrassment but happy we stayed. Otherwise, thanks for a great day! We had so much fun!

Almost every visitor to this Florida outpost stops by the Ernest Hemingway home and its dozens of felines, some with six toes. However, just a block away is a museum dedicated to another literary legend. At the entrance to this museum, you're greeted by a nearly life-size paper cutout of smiling playwright Tennessee Williams. Inside, the walls are lined with posters for the numerous films based on his plays. The museum was the brainchild of local businessman and community activist Dennis Beaver. To celebrate Williams's 100th birthday in 2011, an event honoring the writer was held, including a poetry and art contest. Seeing the enthusiasm surrounding the event, Beaver decided to create an exhibit of Williams memorabilia he had collected at the community center. The exhibit was later expanded to accommodate all the artifacts, and it opened as a museum in 2013. The museum displays caricatures, mementos, and photographs of Williams' family, his longtime lover Frank Merlo, and many celebrities who were his contemporaries. Dozens of foreign translations of his works can also be found throughout the museum, as well as the playwright's typewriter and wicker chair. One of the most fascinating exhibits explores his death, featuring a copy of the coroner's report and newspaper rumors of murder. This small museum is run by volunteers from the Key West Art & Historical Society and offers only a snapshot of the famed playwright's life. The building is not the actual home where Williams lived for over 40 years, although that private home still exists nearby.

The truth is, the exhibit leaves much to be desired. There's nothing but photos, his chair, and a typewriter. It's a shame his house is still inhabited; visiting it would be much more interesting. The exhibition feels a bit lackluster; you can tell the organizer put their all into it, but didn't receive much help or any significant donations to make it truly worthwhile. Someone completely unfamiliar with Tennessee might find it interesting. Those who know him well won't find anything new.

Such a cute historical landmark and museum. 30min is enough to enjoy it; 1hr if you read everything and really take it in. Worth visiting if you buy the multiple museum ticket they offer and then visit the other museums.

This is a well curated museum, nicely layed out displays , presenting a fascinating historical perspective on this accomplished author.

It is small but well put together and interesting.

Tennessee Williams was one of America's most beloved playwrights and this is the largest exhibit of its kind that I've seen to date. The self-guided tour is precisely as long or as short as you would like it to be - if you're not terribly interested, you could probably breeze through it in 15 minutes, but if you spend a few minutes at each of the 20 stations the tour could take as long as an hour. The exhibit has a wide range of original materials and follows the life of the writer from his childhood to his death. The docent (Lynn) was very helpful, especially regarding where we could find information on specific plays (as well as which plays are more obscure and difficult to find in print or in film). All in all, this exhibit is an economical way to learn more about the writer and his connection to the Key West area and I would certainly recommend a visit to anyone with an interest in Williams' life and the impact it had on his writing.

Steve was an amazing host with a load of knowledge