Ask Coral Castle

Question 1

What is Coral Castle?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle is a museum and sculpture garden in Homestead, Florida, carved entirely from coral rock by one man, Edward Leedskalnin, between 1923 and 1951. Often called "a modern wonder shrouded in mystery," it draws visitors from around the world.

Question 2

Who built Coral Castle?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle was built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin, an eccentric Latvian immigrant with no formal training in architecture or engineering. He quarried, cut and carved more than 1,100 tons of coral rock using only primitive tools, many made from old car parts.

Question 3

When was Coral Castle built?

Accepted Answer

Edward Leedskalnin worked on Coral Castle from 1923 to 1951, first at the original site in Florida City and later in Homestead. The site was originally called "Rock Gate."

Question 4

Why did he build Coral Castle?

Accepted Answer

As the story goes, a broken engagement to his "Sweet Sixteen" inspired Edward Leedskalnin to begin the project, which he worked on for decades.

Question 5

What is the mystery of Coral Castle?

Accepted Answer

Because almost no one is documented as having seen Edward Leedskalnin work, how he moved and raised coral blocks weighing several tons, alone and with primitive tools, remains one of the great unsolved mysteries. He hinted that he understood the methods used to build the ancient pyramids, and wrote about magnetic currents.

Question 6

How did Edward Leedskalnin move the stones?

Accepted Answer

No one knows for certain. Leedskalnin worked mostly alone and said anyone who learned the methods of the ancient pyramid builders could do the same; he also wrote about magnetic currents and electricity. The true method is still debated today.

Question 7

What is Coral Castle made of?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle is carved from oolite coral rock (a limestone found in South Florida). Leedskalnin used more than 1,100 tons of it to create the walls, gate, furniture and celestial sculptures.

Question 8

Was Coral Castle always in Homestead?

Accepted Answer

No. Edward Leedskalnin first built at a site in Florida City, then moved the work to its present location in Homestead, where it stands today. Some original pieces, like the 1923 ten-cent admission sign, came from the first site.

Question 9

Tell me about the coral gate.

Accepted Answer

Just past the entrance stands a three-ton triangular coral gate that rotates a full 360 degrees either way. Coral Castle is famous for a perfectly balanced gate that could be pushed open with a finger, part of what makes the site so remarkable.

Question 10

What are the celestial carvings?

Accepted Answer

The garden is filled with astronomy in coral rock: crescent moons, a ringed Saturn and a carved sky map, reflecting Edward Leedskalnin's fascination with the heavens.

Question 11

What is the Polaris telescope?

Accepted Answer

One of the garden's most striking pieces is a tall coral telescope Edward Leedskalnin built and aligned to sight Polaris, the North Star, alongside a towering coral obelisk.

Question 12

What is in Ed's workshop?

Accepted Answer

Ed's workshop includes his tool room, a self-portrait he sculpted from coral rock and seashells, and a cooker he ingeniously converted from a 1920s Model T Ford differential.

Question 13

What are the original 1923 relics?

Accepted Answer

Among the exhibits are pieces from the original Florida City site, including the 10-cent admission sign made from layered coral rock, and a shaving mirror that reflects using water instead of glass.

Question 14

What will I see at Coral Castle?

Accepted Answer

You'll see the famous rotating coral gate, celestial carvings of moons and Saturn, a coral telescope and obelisk, Ed's workshop with his hand-built tools and cooker, and original relics, all carved from coral rock in a lush tropical garden.

Question 15

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle is open daily. The website lists seasonal hours of 9 AM to 8 PM (last tour 7 PM, gates close 7:30 PM) and 9 AM to 7 PM (last tour 6 PM, gates close 6:30 PM). Hours vary by season, so please confirm today's hours on the Plan Your Visit page or by calling (305) 248-6345.

Question 16

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 to 12, and children 4 and under are free. Tickets are purchased on site at the gift shop on arrival. Prices can change, so please confirm current rates before you go.

Question 17

Where can I buy tickets?

Accepted Answer

Tickets are bought on site, at the gift shop when you arrive. For current pricing or group reservations, call (305) 248-6345.

Question 18

What does admission include?

Accepted Answer

Admission includes a 30-minute documentary and a professionally led public tour of the castle, so you get the full story of how it was built.

Question 19

Are tours guided or self-guided?

Accepted Answer

Admission includes a professionally led public tour, and guided tours run hourly. A 30-minute documentary is included as well.

Question 20

Is Coral Castle wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coral Castle is wheelchair accessible.

Question 21

How long does a visit take?

Accepted Answer

A visit includes a 30-minute documentary and a guided public tour. Many visitors spend a little longer exploring the garden, gift shop and cafe. Call (305) 248-6345 if you'd like to plan around a specific tour time.

Question 22

Where is Coral Castle?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle is at 28655 S. Dixie Highway, Homestead, FL 33033, in South Florida, about an hour south of downtown Miami. Phone: (305) 248-6345.

Question 23

How do I get to Coral Castle?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle is at 28655 S. Dixie Highway, Homestead, FL 33033. The website gives driving directions from the Florida Turnpike, and a transit route via Tri-Rail or Metrorail connecting to Bus 70 to the SW 344th Street Park & Ride.

Question 24

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle is a drive-up Homestead attraction at 28655 S. Dixie Highway. For current parking details, call (305) 248-6345.

Question 25

Do you offer school field trips?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coral Castle offers school field trips that immerse students in the site's history and build interest in art, history and nature. Tours are available from Pre-K through college.

Question 26

What grades are field trips for?

Accepted Answer

Field-trip tours are offered for all ages, from Pre-K through college.

Question 27

What do students learn on a field trip?

Accepted Answer

A field trip immerses students in the fascinating history of Coral Castle and helps enrich classroom curriculum, building interest in art, history and nature.

Question 28

What is the chaperone policy for field trips?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle asks for 1 adult chaperone for every 10 students under the age of 18.

Question 29

How do I book a field trip?

Accepted Answer

Send a field-trip inquiry by email through the website, or call (305) 248-6345 to arrange your group's visit.

Question 30

Do you offer group tours?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coral Castle welcomes groups of 15 or more, including educational institutions, community groups, corporate and professional groups, and government agencies, with group pricing for reservations made in advance.

Question 31

How far in advance should groups book?

Accepted Answer

Group reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and private-tour documentation should be submitted at least 14 days before the visit. Call (305) 248-6345 to arrange it.

Question 32

Is there group pricing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coral Castle offers group pricing for groups of 15 or more who make reservations in advance. Call (305) 248-6345 for a quote.

Question 33

Can I rent Coral Castle for an event?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coral Castle is available as a venue rental for special events; its "Make it Yours" venue rental page and team can help you plan. Call (305) 248-6345 or inquire through the website.

Question 34

Can I have a wedding at Coral Castle?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle's coral-rock garden is a dramatic setting for special events through its venue rental program. Contact the team via the Venue Rental page or (305) 248-6345 to discuss your event.

Question 35

Can I film or photograph at Coral Castle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coral Castle has a Filming & Photography program for productions and photo shoots at the museum. See the Filming & Photography page or call (305) 248-6345 for details.

Question 36

Is there a gift shop?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coral Castle has a gift shop, which is also where tickets are purchased on arrival.

Question 37

Is there food or a cafe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coral Castle has a cafe on site. For current hours and offerings, call (305) 248-6345.

Question 38

How do I contact Coral Castle?

Accepted Answer

You can call Coral Castle at (305) 248-6345 or reach the team through the contact page at coralcastle.com. The museum is at 28655 S. Dixie Highway, Homestead, FL 33033.

Question 39

What is the phone number?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle's phone number is (305) 248-6345.

Question 40

Where can I follow Coral Castle online?

Accepted Answer

Coral Castle is online at coralcastle.com, where you can plan a visit, explore exhibits and collections, and shop. Contact the team through the website for social links.

A modern wonder,
shrouded in mystery.

Discover Coral Castle

A one-of-a-kind landmark

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