Bryan Museum

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Today, I took the advice of many and made my first visit to the Bryan Museum. As described, it is a very special place, and spending a couple of hours there - going through the galleries and walking around the grounds - was truly a treat.

The Bryan Museum, I discovered, presents the history of Texas and the American West in an incredibly beautiful setting and in a most comprehensive and inspirational way. All is by design, and history buffs like me love it. I found myself quickly wanting to learn all I could about the museum and those who created it. At the same time, I wanted to be more than just a tourist; I wanted to become an avid supporter of the great work being done here.

J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan purchased the old Galveston Orphans Home in June 2013. After a careful restoration of the historic structure, the couple opened the Bryan Museum in June 2015. With 20,000 square feet of exhibit space and lush, manicured grounds, it immediately become an island treasure and a must-see Texas destination.

The Bryan Collection is one of the world's largest collections of historical artifacts, documents and artwork relating to Texas and the American west.  The collection spans more than 12,000 years, with pieces ranging from ancient Native American cultural artifacts to modern 21st century objects.

With approximately 70,000 items in total, the collection includes 20,000 rare books; more than 30,000 documents in Spanish, German, French and English; three dozen saddles and over 250 antique firearms, several hundred spurs, a large collection of art (religious art, folk art and portraits), exceedingly rare maps and artifacts, such as "cowboy" chaps; Native American stone tools and arrowheads; and a Spanish mission bell.

In addition to its permanent galleries, the museum also includes space for rotating special exhibits, a library, conference room and an archive. Outside the museum, on the beautifully landscaped grounds, there is a sculpture garden, fountain and gazebo, as well as the Conservatory. All are lovely venues for the many public and private events held at the museum throughout the year.

About the Structure
The original Gothic revival building, located at 1315 21st Street, was constructed from 1894-1895 with funding from Henry Rosenberg, a Galveston businessman and philanthropist. Sadly, the building was destroyed by the Great Storm of 1900. But, fortunately, newspaper publisher William Randolph Heart hosted a charity bazaar at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City to raise funds for a rebuild, which was completed in 1902. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 21, 1979.