Bryan Museum
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.
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2022
- Mar 17, 2022 Ivy Dishes
- Jan 29, 2022 Grace Episcopal Church
- Jan 1, 2022 100 Years
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2021
- Aug 25, 2021 My Fig Tree
- Apr 28, 2021 Darlene's Shrimp
- Apr 24, 2021 Oleander Festival
- Feb 27, 2021 Great Winter Storm
- Feb 10, 2021 The Mourning Wave
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2020
- Oct 26, 2020 Crepe Myrtles
- Sep 18, 2020 Trimming the Palms
- Jul 19, 2020 The Dancers
- Jul 11, 2020 Postcards
- Jun 20, 2020 Resilience Flag
- Jun 19, 2020 Juneteenth
- Jun 10, 2020 Silk Stocking
- May 27, 2020 Tree Sculptures
- May 6, 2020 Babe's Beach
- Apr 22, 2020 Opera House
- Mar 2, 2020 Texas Heroes Monument
- Feb 15, 2020 Mardi Gras Parade
- Jan 19, 2020 St. Joseph's Church
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2019
- Dec 15, 2019 Celebrations
- Nov 6, 2019 Fresh Paint
- Oct 21, 2019 Jazz Age Series
- Oct 20, 2019 ARToberFEST
- Oct 6, 2019 Stingeree
- Oct 5, 2019 Pumpkin Time
- Oct 2, 2019 Sea Turtles
- Sep 29, 2019 Powhatan House
- Sep 24, 2019 The Dolphins
- Sep 5, 2019 Lucas Apartments
- Aug 24, 2019 Sandcastles
- Aug 9, 2019 The Daily News
- Jul 18, 2019 Beach Walk
- Jul 10, 2019 La King's
- May 25, 2019 Pleasure Pier
- May 1, 2019 Bolivar Ferry
- Mar 15, 2019 Saengerfest Park
- Jan 19, 2019 Moody Mansion
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2018
- Dec 18, 2018 The Vintage Suitcase
- Dec 17, 2018 Festival of Lights
- Dec 2, 2018 Sunday Brunch
- Nov 21, 2018 Hendley Row
- Oct 27, 2018 Island Oktoberfest
- Sep 20, 2018 The Strand Clock
- Sep 16, 2018 St. Mary Cathedral
- Aug 11, 2018 No More Shed
- Jun 10, 2018 Rosenberg Library
- May 7, 2018 Stepping It Up
- May 3, 2018 A Happy Hour
- May 1, 2018 Ashton Villa
- Apr 21, 2018 96th Birthday
- Apr 1, 2018 Seawolf Park
- Mar 27, 2018 Ball High School
- Mar 15, 2018 East End
- Feb 1, 2018 Tremont House
- Jan 26, 2018 Menardi Gras
- Jan 24, 2018 Mardi Gras Decor
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2017
- Dec 1, 2017 Miss Ruby
- Oct 8, 2017 Railroad Museum
- Oct 7, 2017 Tall Ship Elissa
- Sep 9, 2017 Star Drug Store
- Sep 8, 2017 1900 Storm Statue
- Aug 6, 2017 The Turquoise Table
- Aug 1, 2017 Bishop's Palace
- Jul 23, 2017 Garten-Verein
- Jul 21, 2017 Yard Work
- Jul 16, 2017 The Strand
- Jun 17, 2017 Stewart Beach
- Jun 7, 2017 The Original
- Jun 3, 2017 Murdochs
- May 27, 2017 Bryan Museum
- May 19, 2017 Firemen on Call
- May 13, 2017 Williams-Borden Neighborhood
- May 1, 2017 Oleander City
- Apr 28, 2017 God Winks