By Linda Elissalde
The Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Arts Foundation just gets better and better. One of the best things they have done was to sponsor a trip to The Bryan Museum over on Galveston Island. It is fun to ride the Bolivar ferry, but most Bolivarians (Bolivarites? Bolivians?) combine several activities when planning a trip over to Galveston. However, just going to see The Bryan Museum is well worth a trip across the pond.
The Bryan Museum building facility began as the Galveston Orphans Home in 1895. It retained that name for over 80 years. The Galveston Orphans Home was heavily damaged in the 1900 Hurricane. Although it suffered in subsequent storms, the basic structure remained.
J.P. Bryan purchased the building on October 11, 2013 and began a thorough restoration immediately. Mr. Bryan has long promoted Texas history and is also a proponent of the restoration of historic buildings. This museum is home to the world’s largest collection of historical artifacts, documents and artwork relating to the Southwestern United States.
Margo Johnson and Eve Bradford arranged for a group of 30 to have guided tours. Most folk wanted to stay longer because there was so much to see and hear.
You may think that you do not care for museums, but this one is different. History really does come alive. If you are a fan of museums, then you must visit this one. I can’t wait to return because The Bryan Museum is definitely “Worth A Trip Across The Pond.”
Everyone had something great to say about the exhibits as they enjoyed a delicious lunch at Riondo’s.
THE BRYAN MUSEUM
1315 21st Street
Galveston, Texas 77550
thebryanmuseum.org
The Bryan Museum, founded by Mary Jon and J.P. Bryan, is the result of their lifetime commitment to historic preservation and education. The Bryan Museum houses the largest collection of its kind in the world. 70,000 items, spanning 12,000 years, it includes treasures ranging from ancient Native American cultural artifacts to 21st century pieces – rare German, French, Spanish and English documents, exquisite saddles, spurs, antique firearms, exceptionally rare maps and books, fine art, religious and folk art, portraits, and documents.
[3-28-2016]
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What fun! Thanks for your great review. I’m planning a trip soon.
The Bryan Museum needs a full four hours to go through-at the very least. It is astounding. Huge collections of ornate saddles, guns of all types & kinds, art, texas history items. There is no way to be able to experience all the itmes in one day.