Explore Audubon House and Its Tropical Gardens in Key West
Visitors to the Audubon House in Key West step back into the mid-19th century, experiencing the life of Captain John Huling Geiger, a maritime pilot and master wrecker. Built between 1846 and 1849, this grand residence showcases American Classic Revival architecture with Dade County Pine and mortise-and-tenon joints. Once home to four generations of the Geiger family, it faced demolition in 1958 until the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation intervened, sparking Key West’s restoration movement. Today, the Audubon House stands as a historic museum, furnished with 19th-century antiques, including Geiger family heirlooms, and honors John James Audubon’s 1832 visit.
The property’s one-acre Tropical Gardens enchant with vibrant orchids, rare palms, and labeled native plants. Paved pathways wind through lush foliage, where butterflies and birds thrive, and a replica 1850s-era cook house offers a glimpse into historical daily life. Local lore ties Audubon’s bird illustrations to these gardens, adding artistic allure. Open daily from 9:30am to 4:15pm, with the gallery and gift shop extending to 5:00pm, the Audubon House at 205 Whitehead Street blends history, nature, and elegance. The site also hosts weddings and events, merging timeless charm with modern celebrations in Key West.
