Talk about two very different types of attraction – we went to Omega Mart earlier this year and The Bryan Museum during our final summer trip. While Galveston has amazing beaches and tons of fantastic cuisine, the city also contains a tremendous collection of one-of-a-kind items. The museum breaks a bit from the approach taken by many museums – one will feel as if they have been transported back into a wealthy domicile from a prior time period. Large displays and priceless pieces ensure that attendees take a good amount of time digging into the provenance and lore that the museum provides. Decked out in glowingly-polished wood, the various rooms of The Bryan Museum showcase the initial colonization of the area by the Spanish, the bold period of pre-annexation Texas, and the years immediately following Texas’s admission into the union. A period-accurate galley showcases the experience that children had while the Galveston Orphans Home was in operation.
Preparing to visit the museum
Expect to take about 1.5-2 hours at the Museum; those individuals that go ga-ga over ancient weaponry and the overall cowboy way of life could easily add a further two hours to this visit. There are a few different places for the younger set to enjoy on the property, but I’d recommend waiting until the children are double digits for the most enjoyment while there.
Parking is ample and we felt safe leaving our car on the premises. Aside from the museum’s closure on Tuesdays, one can make a visit from 10 am until 5 pm every day of the week. The museum is located off of the touristy side of things, so individuals that are a bit burnt out by the hustle and bustle of commercial Galveston will be able to take a breath during their visit to The Bryan. Make sure to dig into the museum’s calendar for information for how to become a member, as the museum has a number of limited-access trips that are heavily discounted for those that have an active membership.
Conclusion
Galveston’s The Bryan Museum is immaculate and is able to feel spacious even on highly-attended days. For anyone that is making it down to the Kemah / Galveston area, find a space during your trip to go back in time with this attraction. If you have made it to the museum in your past, let us know – what was your favorite artifacts or sights to see at The Bryan?
The Bryan Museum (Galveston, Texas) / 1315 21st Street, Galveston, Texas 77550 / ph: 409.632.7685 / Domain / Facebook / Youtube