The Bryan Museum

You may have come to Galveston for the beaches, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more to the island than just its sandy shores. Galveston has plenty to offer, especially if you’re looking to add an educational twist to your trip or want to take advantage of a rainy day to learn about some local history. No matter what brings you to the Bryan Museum, you will leave enriched and satisfied by a unique cultural experience.

An Authentic Glimpse into the American Wild West

The Bryan Museum, located steps away from downtown Galveston, gives guests the opportunity to travel back in time to the era of the American Wild West. Visitors come to learn more about the cultural history of Texas, including information about its fascinating Spanish, Native American, and Western roots. The Bryan Collection  has around 70,000 items in its collection, making it one of the world’s largest collections dedicated to Texan history. Some of these items include rare books, folk art, and Native American artifacts – some dating back as far as 12,000 years.

The collection belongs to J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan, two native Texans who have had a lifelong passion for collecting historically significant treasures. J.P. Bryan, who comes from a long line of Texan collectors, caught the collecting bug by gathering rare books. Throughout the years, his collecting habits diversified to include such things as firearms, Spanish colonial artifacts, and even saddles. Today, the Bryan Museum is an amazing and eclectic example of thoughtful and knowledgeable curation.

Bryan Museum Galveston

Its historical displays notwithstanding, the Bryan Museum is a piece of history itself. Since 2015, it has been housed in the historic old Galveston Orphans Home. Constructed in 1815 and reconstructed after the 1900 storm, the Galveston Orphans Home functioned as an orphanage for nearly a century. In 2015, the building was purchased by J.P. Bryan Jr., to host his collection entitled “Visions of the West” in what he called the Bryan Museum. Today, the Bryan Museum is open to the public on Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ryson Vacation Rentals

The professionals at Ryson are excited to help you book your ideal vacation rental. With an extensive selection of properties that are comfortable and customized to your personal taste and style, you can rest easy knowing your home away from home is perfect for you. Contact us today to start planning your next Galveston vacation! We also provide concierge services, be sure to ask one of our reservation agents.