The Bryan Museum — Attraction in Galveston

It's been 48 hours and The Bryan Museum experience still won't vacate my mind. Not that I want it to or anything. It's the closest thing to time travel I can resonate with. If you're interested in Texas History or just appreciate art and historical artifacts, then you met your match. When I first arrived I noticed a sign that read, "Parking in the back of the museum". So I did a Texas U-Turn and found the gated parking area. Of course with admission, parking is FREE! As I gazed up at the Museum which was the Galveston Orphanage over 100 years ago, I pondered deeply about my conquest into the seemingly not so distant past. I was taken ahold by playful spirits which wisked me up the short stairs and to the front door. As I opened the antique door, a cool breeze and serenity washed over me from head to toe. I simply was greeted and shown where to purchase a ticket. I asked for an admission for one, as this venture was a person Journey that I wanted to take without interruption. $14 for Adults, less for Seniors or Students, about half price for teenagers and free for younger children. Knowing what I know now, that was a STEAL. I believe the total is 70,000 pieces that the Museum has in the collection but that's not the most impressive part. Each item was masterfully cultivated and rare. Several items per room were literally one-of-a-kind. As someone who is French Cajun which Ancestry dating back over a millennia, I became more and more fascinated as I explored. A very kind lady greeted me 20 minutes after my self guided tour started. She made my expectations so pleasant, I am highly considering becoming a Member for $50. She was passionate, charismatic and gave me fascinating tid bits of information I normally would have overlooked. After hours of fantasizing about the background of each item, I then went upstairs where I was suddenly attracted to 3 beautiful Andy Warhol paintings. One of which is of Annie Oakley. Several other drawings caught my eye, one of my favorites was that of surrealism. Many arts had transcendental Texas landscapes that came alive with cool mint and fiery magenta sunsets. I could go on and on and on. A few very notable artifacts were hundreds of guns, full size battle scene, rare documents, antique library, dozens of ornate Horse Saddles, etc. I'm 28, and although I may be a tad different, I had the time of my life. I highly recommend people of all ages to visit this Museum... If I can promise you one thing, you will NEVER look at the Texas flag the same way again. God bless America and God...

This museum is flying under false colors. It claims to be a museum of the Southwest and Texas, but I didn't see anything that was distinctly southwestern anywhere (the southwest is Arizona, New Mexico, southern Colorado, southern Utah. Sometimes we include El Paso county, but that's it). And for Black Texans, there was only a temporary Buffalo Soldiers exhibit, and it wasn't very good--mostly drawings and a few pictures. And a picture of Jack Johnson; was HE a Buffalo Soldier?? If you're African-American there's not much about your Texas history. Native Americans really get trashed--literally. There's one wall display of junk Mr. Bryan picked up off the ground on his West Texas ranch. And there's a painting of Native people working as slave laborers, building a mission, under the watchful eye of a padre overseer. Remember, Native Americans lived in what is now Texas for 5,00-8,000 years! This land belonged to them. Anglo invaders killed off many just to steal their land. But that's all the space and treatment they get. But if you ignore the racism that underlies this place, what is exhibited is quite beautiful. This is a very nice building housing mainly artifacts of the Anglo Texan frontier, with some very good Spanish and Mexican materials as well. The main floor is quite beautiful, with warm wood and comfy couches and chairs (floors 1 and 3 not so much). The materials are obviously well cared for, and are tastefully displayed. And they really are gorgeous. But it's all stop and look--no interactive exhibits when I was there. If you're disabled, you may have a problem. When I was there, there was only street parking, with no handicapped spaces. I could not find any handicapped entrance to the building, in front or on the sides. I guess the Americans With Disabilities Act is too modern for them. Your disabled Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans thank you for your...

A most wonderful gift to all of us and well worth visiting! Heartily recommend a tour with one of the knowledgeable docents. I enjoyed seeing the original bench children would sit on as they waited to be called into the room to meet their prospective adopted parents, as well as the room the parents waited in. Seeing small initials the children etched into woodland made it all come alive. Mr. Bryan thank you! The personal collection of Western art is stunning! This gift of a complete renovation of the historic childrens orphanage was lovingly done and I commend all those who raised funds, who stitched costumes, worked on the stunning battle recreations, etc. Loved the use interactive technology and videos to explain the history of the great flood and how it changed Galveston, explained the culture of the cowboy and the extensive display of their saddles, and the early personalities that influenced development. Again, the docents bring depth and drama to your visit, ask questions and avail yourselves of their years of experience. Lastly, I appreciated the use of monarch milkweed (asclepius) and other butterfly friendly plants in the garden. Take your time, enjoy a picnic in the back garden and the many beautiful details this place has to offer both...