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.
Create an itinerary including 1892 Bishop's Palace
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
1892 Bishop's Palace reviews
-
Orignally a private home, then the residence for The Bishop of Houstan/Galvestion, this historic home provides one with the insight into a world long gone. This a self guided tour and as you... more »
-
I've been to Galveston so many times and this was the first time visiting Bishop's Palace. The self guided tour allows you to enjoy the house at your own pace and really take in the details and... more »
-
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.
-
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.
Plan your trip to Galveston
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Galveston
Kid-friendly things to do in Galveston
Hidden gems in Galveston
Historic Sites in Galveston
Side trips from Galveston
Trips to 1892 Bishop's Palace by other users
11 days in Galveston
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
East End Historic District
Stewart Beach
The Seawall
11 days in Galveston
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Port of Galveston
The Strand
Galveston Historic Seaport - Home of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA
10 days in Houston
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Hermann Park's Japanese Garden
Hermann Park
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
3 days in Galveston
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
The Strand
1892 Bishop's Palace
The Seawall
22 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Chicago
Austin
Galveston
2 days in Galveston
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Old City Cemetery
Moody Gardens
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
