1. Moody Mansion
Arguably the most recognizable piece of architecture on Galveston Island, the Moody Museum is more than the beautiful Romanesque mansion that houses it (even though it is incredible to look at from the outside). Originally completed in 1895 as the home of a wealthy socialite, the Moody Museum now preserves the opulent lifestyle of cotton magnate William Lewis Moody Jr., whose family lived there until the death of his daughter in the mid-1980s.
The home's decor and design notwithstanding, Moody's impressive collection of cars is a top draw for visitors. If you have small children, the on-site Galveston Children's Museum makes sure everyone in your group can have a good time, regardless of their age.
TIP: After finishing up here, you can continue southward down 25th Street to the iconic Galveston Pleasure Pier.
2. Galveston Historic Seaport
Home to the tall ship Elissa, which was built in 1877, the Galveston Historic Seaport takes you back in time to an era when the most important and elegant way to travel was on the open sea. An interesting fact about this ship, a three-masted "barque" boat that visitors to the museum can board, is that it was actually rescued from a salvage yard in Greece and then painstakingly restored to its present glory by the devoted experts of the seaport museum.
Although you'll need to pay to board the Elissa, you can enjoy views of the ship from outside free of charge. In this way, you can consider the Galveston History Seaport a rare example of a free museum in Galveston, even if the most illuminating experiences are reserved for ticketed guests. You should also keep in mind that because of the ship's advanced age — its design is very much of its time — it may be difficult or even impossible for some guests to board it.
3. Bishop's Palace
If you love historical homes and are hungry to see more even after touring the Moody Mansion, consider visiting Bishop's Palace, which is located at Broadway and 14th Street in Galveston's East End historic district. Built in 1892 in a Victorian style that contrasts with the Moody Mansion's Romanesque design, this enticing edifice is definitely unique enough to merit a visit.
Sometimes known as the Gresham Castle, as an homage to an infamous family that once lived there, this most ornate of Galveston museums definitely lives up to the name. Take your time admiring the fine granite, limestone and sandstone that make up the exterior of this building, which was home to several Catholic bishops during the years when the local archdiocese owned the home. Then, enjoy a guided "basement to attic" tour of the interior, whose impressive woodworking takes center stage.
4. Galveston Naval Museum
Located on the tip of scenic Seawolf Park on Pelican Island, a smaller barrier island just north of Galveston's main landmass, the Galveston Naval Museum pays homage to the awesome seafaring vessels of the World War II era. Specifically, you can board the USS Cavalla submarine and the USS Stewart destroyer. While standard tickets include a guided tour that explains the military importance of these ships, this is only the beginning of what this museum has to offer.
If you're interested in fishing, for example, you can purchase a package that allows you to fish in the waters of the bay right off the destroyer. The museum even offers sleepovers onboard your choice of the destroyer or the submarine, although these generally need to be booked well in advance. Do note that while touring the entire museum only takes one to two hours, you should devote at least half a day to visiting since you'll need to drive over Pelican Island Causeway to get there.
5. Galveston Railroad Museum
Although commercial rail travel may seem antiquated in a car-centric place like the Houston metro area, this Galveston train museum presents older ways of travel in such a compelling way that modern audiences are sure to appreciate it. Located in a station that was once part of the historic Santa Fe Railroad, this interactive museum has painstakingly preserved locomotives, departure lobbies and even wall art from America's Golden Age of rail travel.
The museum, which is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is especially busy on weekends, so consider booking in advance, especially if you have a larger party. If you come on Saturdays, you'll be able to take a ride on the special Harborside Express train, in addition to all the authentic (but stationary) train engines and passenger cars you can board within the museum itself.
Other Amazing Galveston Museums
In addition to all these history- and culture-oriented museums, Galveston is home to several highly rated art galleries. These are some of the best:
· The Heard Gallery. Whether you prefer oil painting or prints, you'll find compelling and unique wall art at the Heard Gallery, whose main collections document local sea life, city scenes and more.
· Rene Wiley Studio and Gallery. One of the highlights of this family-run painting gallery, which features the work of Rene and her daughters, is the fact that they give every customer a free postcard, allowing you to take a piece of art with you when you go.
· Galveston Arts Center. If you're on the hunt for captivating contemporary art but don't have a particular interest beyond that, the eclectic (and rotating) exhibits at this large arts center may be the best choice for you.
· The Bryan Museum. Although not exclusively a gallery for visual art, this museum houses a large collection of paintings and sculptures documenting the history of Texas and the American southwest more broadly.
Whether you prefer painting or sculpture or find classical styles more appealing than contemporary ones, there's enough artistic variety in Galveston to suit anyone's preference.
Plan Ahead To See It All
When visiting museums in Galveston, you may find you don't have time to see them all! Depending on what else you plan to do prior to boarding the Texas cruises that sail from here, consider adding days in the Houston area so you can attend to all your sightseeing on land before heading out to sea. With more than a century of history and culture on offer, Galveston will certainly exceed your expectations.
