The Bryan Museum

Fantastic Texiana collection presented in a beautiful, historic space. The orphanage has been restored wonderfully. The eclectic nature of the collection is fun and provides a rich and diverse overview of the area’s history. The interactive elements are a welcome addition. I look forward to watching this grow.

Was really excited to see what it looked like inside this beautiful historic building that had been empty for so long and was not disappointed. The building has been beautifully restored and there is an enormous amount of historical documents, antiques and art inside. Also, the staff/​volunteers were so sweet and knowledgeable about the collections.

A wonderful, new museum in Galveston lodged in a historic orphanage, this place is wonderful! First off, the building has historic Galveston significance and is beautiful. Take time to walk around the gardens, enjoy the fountain, statues, and the museum gift shop, which is in the gardens. I understand a parking garage will be coming in the next year right next door. Currently, you have to grab street parking. Each room in the building houses a different collection, from Texas artists to the fight for independence, Indians in Texas, a large display of saddles, etc. The museum is handicap accessible via an elevator at the rear of the building. You can either take a narrated tour or just walk around on your own. The art collection featuring Texas artists was terrific. Downstairs in the basement is a fun area for children, with a tunnel and hidden pirates’ treasure. I believe you can have wedding receptions and childrens’ birthday parties here. The museum is open Friday through Monday, 11 – 4.

I became a member of the Bryan Museum in June 2015. Four months later, I have yet to receive a membership card. When I made my initial inquiry regarding a membership card in July, I was told that they had no record of me becoming a member. I gave them the membership number I was provided on their website, after signing up online, and then they apologized and said a welcome letter and membership card would be coming soon. After several more weeks of waiting, I called the membership director. She told me they hadn’t settled on a graphic design for the cards yet, but would soon, and for me to feel free to come in anytime as a complete list of members would be at the desk for their staff to use for verification. So, at the end of August, I did just that. I brought a guest one beautiful Sunday afternoon and after identifying myself as a member, was told by the volunteer at the front desk that she didn’t know where the member list was. She said she couldn’t let me in without proof of membership and suggested I just go ahead and pay the entry fees, then call the offices on Monday and request a refund. I was so humiliated and embarrassed, I left. By example, I’m a member of several other small museums around the state of Texas, and receive newsletters, emails, invitations to private events and exhibit openings, etc. I would expect the same from this institution, yet, I have never received anything from this museum but a «thank you for joining» and it took two months to get that. Needless to say, I won’t be renewing my membership. Complete waste of money. Next time I decide to throw away $ 50, I’ll throw it to a small museum who truly appreciates it.

Excellent museum. Has wheelchair access. One of the best private collections of Texas artifacts I’ve ever scene. The gun collection, as well
As the spur, and saddle collections are outstanding. Downside is they don’t allow pictures and they have staff to make sure you don’t either. I will be back though.

This is a private art gallery and museum focused on early Texas and southwest history which was established after JP Bryan, a Texas oil man, retired and he and his wife took his substantial (that’s an understatement) personal collection and opened it to the public.
First, though, the building itself is quite a work of art. Bryan and his wife clearly spent a fortune to acquire the historic orphanage and bring it up to modern renovation standards. The building and grounds are a big addition to this historic-​ish district in Galveston which is minutes from the historic downtown. This would be a great place for events which I believe they are open to.
The museum has many great pieces of historical value, including letters from William Travis sent from the Alamo (rare typed reproduced versions that were sent all across Texas — not THE actual letter which is on display in the Alamo, but a copy that was distributed across Texas). They have state of the art touch screen technology to explain exhibits.
There are lots of fantastic artwork and historical items. It really is one of the best collections of its kind anywhere.
It is a personal collection turned into museum and the collector’s primary interest was the American west. That being said, there is a genuine effort to portray things fairly. The museum included exhibits depicting slavery and how inhumane it was as well as a large room dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers and African American contributions to the military (this is keeping with the collector’s focus on the southwest settlement and Cowboys, early Texas military history, etc). This is not the primary focus of this private collector, but they make an effort to meet museum standards for historical fairness rather than just being a private collection made public.
For $ 10 adult admission, and 6 or 5 dollars for students and kids, this really is a chance to see something out of the ordinary. It took us like an an hour and a half to get through it, so the museum is filled with stuff. It’s a great value.

This historical home and orphanage is now a grand museum of Texas history. I urge anyone who’s interested in Texas history or early weapons, saddles, spurs, explorers, people, documents, letters, Buffalo Soldiers, paintings and more to visit this wonderful museum.
Though it’s self described as «The…home to the world’s largest collection of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to the Southwestern United States,» it’s mostly Texas history.
Maybe it’s because I went with low expectations, but it knocked my socks off!
You’re not permitted to take pictures inside the museum so I only have this one picture.

Well how wonderful to have a great museum with so much history! This is a must do when traveling to Galveston. So much history so interesting!