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Mallory Museum at the Hospitality House

The Museum is currently closed for renovation

The Hospitality House on Mallory Square in Key West serves as the office for the Old Island Restoration Foundation and home of the Mallory Museum, which offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the early years of the Mallory Docks. The building was constructed after the 1886 Great Fire by the Southern Express Co. and became the ticket office of the Mallory Steamship Company. This line ran ships from New York to Key West, Galveston, and Cuba.

The museum traces the history of Mallory Square from the days of its earliest settlers to the present time. Visitors will be transported back into history when they view pictures of the sailing ships that once filled the harbor. In the early 1800s, Commodore David Porter established Key West as the base of operations for his Anti-Piracy Squadron, which freed the shipping lanes along the Keys from the pirates who abounded there.

Drawings, photos, ship models, paintings, and artifacts trace the history of the Square from the sailing vessels to the steamships that served as the lifeline to Key West, carrying passengers and much-needed goods from ports along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States.

Mallory Square is now a busy port for cruise ships on their way to Mexico or islands of the Caribbean. And every night, crowds flock to the Square to watch the sun sink into the Gulf and enjoy the acts of street performers - buskers - who bring a variety of talents to the event.