Trip Planner:   USA  /  Texas  /  Texas Gulf Coast  /  Galveston Island  /  Galveston  /  1892 Bishop's Palace

1892 Bishop's Palace, Galveston

4.6

#1 of 11 in Museums in Galveston

Historic Site History Museum

• ©
• ©
• ©
• © +7
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©

Listed as one of the most important buildings in America by the American Institute of Architects, 1892 Bishop's Palace commands attention in the city's historical district. Finished in 1892 on the commission of former Confederate soldier Walter Gresham, the ornate Victorian structure offers a window into the life of the local elite in the early 20th century. This massive, stone home now holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and operates as a museum dedicated to the life and times of the Gresham family. Join a tour of the luxurious interior, including a giant fireplace and a 12 m (40 ft) tall mahogany staircase. Note the unusual statues and carvings of dragons and other mythical creatures, selected by architect Nicholas Clayton. A special basement to attic tour occurs monthly, showcasing areas of the home normally off-limits. Visit the website to reserve tickets. To visit 1892 Bishop's Palace on your trip to Galveston, use our Galveston attractions tool.

more less

Create an itinerary including 1892 Bishop's Palace

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

1892 Bishop's Palace Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1,270 reviews

Google

4.6

facebook

4.7

3 likes

• By James S

  Incredible architecture and furnishings. Recommend you visit Sacred Heart Church across the street while you are there.  more »

• By TnTDean

  We visited Bishops Palace in the East End Historic District. The day that we went it was slow which was good for us I do not think it would be very enjoyable if it was crowded you are given a device.....  more »

See more on TripAdvisor »

Google

• By Vee C.

  Nice visit to a beautiful old home, however you are left wanting to see more since the third floor and many of the rooms of the first floor were off limits to visitors. My family was made to share handheld audio tour devices and this was not ideal since you had to stand very close together to hear your shared device over the devices of all the other visitors. Would have been nice to see photos of the house decorated and furnished in its full grandeur. There were a few photos shown on the device but the small size made it hard to see any details.

  more less
• By Keith Nystrom

  It’s an old wood house where a bishop and rich people lived. Maybe I’m not the best person to judge historical touring. I went with family and didn’t complain. They like to restrict the number of electronic self tour devices they give out to your group but you can easily insist, no, we would each like our own self-tour device; hence the name.

  more less

See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Galveston

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.