The Bryan Museum

Address:	1315 21st St, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Phone:	+1 409-632-7685
Site:	thebryanmuseum.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	11AM–4PM Closed Closed 11AM–4PM 11AM–4PM 11AM–4PM 11AM–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 17

danny wilson

This museum is flying under false colors. It claims to be a museum of the Southwest and Texas, but I didnt see anything that was distinctly southwestern anywhere (the southwest is Arizona, New Mexico, southern Colorado, southern Utah. Sometimes we include El Paso county, but thats it). And for Black Texans, there was only a temporary Buffalo Soldiers exhibit, and it wasnt very good--mostly drawings and a few pictures. And a picture of Jack Johnson; was HE a Buffalo Soldier?? If youre African-American theres not much about your Texas history. Native Americans really get trashed--literally. Theres one wall display of junk Mr. Bryan picked up off the ground on his West Texas ranch. And theres a painting of Native people working as slave laborers, building a mission, under the watchful eye of a padre overseer. Remember, Native Americans lived in what is now Texas for 5,00-8,000 years! This land belonged to them. Anglo invaders killed off many just to steal their land. But thats all the space and treatment they get. But if you ignore the racism that underlies this place, what is exhibited is quite beautiful. This is a very nice building housing mainly artifacts of the Anglo Texan frontier, with some very good Spanish and Mexican materials as well. The main floor is quite beautiful, with warm wood and comfy couches and chairs (floors 1 and 3 not so much). The materials are obviously well cared for, and are tastefully displayed. And they really are gorgeous. But its all stop and look--no interactive exhibits when I was there. If youre disabled, you may have a problem. When I was there, there was only street parking, with no handicapped spaces. I could not find any handicapped entrance to the building, in front or on the sides. I guess the Americans With Disabilities Act is too modern for them. Your disabled Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans thank you for your consideration.

Mark E

This place is amazing! I was very surprised by the quality of exhibits as most small museums sport a modest collection. The Bryan Museum and Library boast such a comprehensive collection on Texas and Galveston history. Their special exhibit on the white cross was not my particular interest this time, but I have been before when they were stocked with Buffalo soldier pieces for their special exhibit which was interesting. The amount of historical pieces including and definitely not limited to saddles, artwork, weapons of various periods and official historical documents are just wonderful. I highly recommend to take the tour each time you are there as some pieces are still not labeled after a year of its opening. Both times Ive had the tour, the guides have been very knowledgeable and personable. I have enjoyed both of my visits here and plan on going more with other family members as well.

lamisha williams

I really loved this place. The History of all Anglos, African, Mexican, Indian, French,German,Jewish people coming to Galveston to make it a wondering place to live even though there was hardship in the early nineteen hundreds the people managed not to give up and rebuild the place again better than before. The other part of History I loved was all the cowboys and saddles that where made and the Mexican Attired and there life style on How the people lived in this part of Texas. So I say again I loved it and I really want to come back again and again to absorb more of the History Galveston Texas.

Martin Stringer

I am a private collector of western Texas ephemera and other items. I frequent The Museum of the Big Bend, The Nita Stewart Haley Memorial Library, The Museum of the Southwest, the Harry Ransom Center, etc. and personally know a great number of directors, curators and personnel . The Bryan Museum is as well done and thought out as any in the southwest. The collections, displays and facilities are as world class as any that I have seen across the United States and Mexico. Hats off to Mr. Bryan and his excellent staff at the museum.

Angie May

Incredible! It is on my list of "must see" for anyone that comes to the area. Our only complaint is the hours are hard to work in as the are a bit short, but otherwise its all amazing. A tip for visiting...check tour times and go appropriately, we missed the first 30 minutes of the tour and were disappointed we didnt plan ahead as the tour guide was fun and extremely knowledgeable. :)

Cameron Samuels

Great collection of artifacts from Texas history all owned by one person: Stephen F Austins sisters great grandson. For real! Great staff walking around and providing information to you! Great outdoor area. Also they have iPads all over for viewing the artifacts and reading a whole page about it and viewing the zoomed in picture of it. Great museum!!

William Everman

Phenomenal place to visit if you are a history guru looking for a place to learn about the area and this part of the state. There are a lot of things to see and if you take your time you could easily be here 2 hours or more. My only negative was one of the security guys kept following my wife and I around the whole time. Its kinda creepy....

Sandra Anderson

We had a wonderful 50th Anniversary Party at Bryan Museum and glassed building adjacent. They served appetizers and wine in Museum. We had a guitarist and docents to view Museum. Later a band played in Bryan gardens with dinner all arranged by their staff. Thanks to all their staff for a wonderful anniversary party.

Christy Landriault

The Bryan Museum is exquisite! It is unlike any other museum I have ever visited. The grounds are gorgeous and the exhibits are fascinating. I have never experienced history this thoughtfully displayed or any other museum this beautifully designed! I have been several times and each time I learn something new!

Kurt Rose

Terrific museum with interesting Texas and SW US artifacts. Building has an interesting history as an orphanage sine the 1800s. Guides and staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Looks like some great meeting and event facilities are available.

Kirsch Salvator

I recently got to visit the Bryan, and it is beautiful! The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the displays. They have a huge Southwestern artifact collection. The whole building has a fascinating history and I cant wait to go back!

Judyth Ruiz

A nice museum with highly informative staff who are not hesitant to give you more than enough back history about anything and everything. The best room was the basement where they had some background on how the orphanage was run.

Marilyn Swanson

The Bryan Museum is definitely a 5 star museum. So refreshing to find a museum that restores a historical treasure and then adds to much more. Each time we visit we take a docent tour, and each time we visit we learn more.

Keith K

Great new museum housed in a restored historic building (Galveston Orphans Home). Should be a must-see for anyone visiting Galveston and interested Texas history. Many displays of old area maps, guns, saddles, etc.

Lydia Russell

Wow! Such a wonderful experience. Our whole family learned so much. We had a wonderful tour guide who answered questions, and had a great sense of humor. So many things to see and learn, it was almost overwhelming.

David Landriault

This place is amazing! Its like traveling back in time and reliving the greatest moments in Southwestern history. The building is beautiful. Its 120 years old and has been restored to perfection. You must visit!

debbie nuncio

We went with a tour group through this museum and learned a lot more about Texas History. There is a wealth of artifacts here, beautifully restored home and our Docent was able to answer every question.