The Custom House is museum-worthy in and of itself, with its 20-foot ceilings, a dozen fireplaces, elegant centerpiece staircase and rounded arched windows. It was designed by H.H.R. (Henry Hobbs Richardson) himself, and if you've ever studied art history you'll know he was the most prominent architect of his time. This house was built in 1891 of bricks brought in from New York and Pennsylvania by brickmasons imported from Massachusetts, and more than 100 other skilled craftsmen from all over the country. It was then called the U.S. Custom House, but the Post Office was in there as well as the U.S. District Court. It served until the 1960s, when offices were moved to bigger buildings elsewhere in Key West. It actually stood empty for 30 years! In 1990 the Key West Art & Historical Society restored the building and it became a museum nine years later, at a cost of nine million dollars. There are now galleries, gift shop, and works of Mario Sanchez on the walls. Good view from the top, overlooking Sunset Key and the harbor.

It's open every day from 9am to 6pm and there is an admission fee. Ask about combo tickets with teh East Martello Museum and the Key west Lighthouse Musuem.