tour bishop's palace galveston

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Bishop's Palace

  • 1402 Broadway St Galveston, Texas 77550
  • (409) 762-2475
  • Website Email Virtual Tour
  • Hours: Monday 10AM–5PM Tuesday 10AM–5PM Wednesday 10AM–5PM Thursday 10AM–5PM Friday 10AM–5PM Saturday 10AM–5PM Sunday 10AM–5PM

tour bishop's palace galveston

Visit this iconic landmark to get a closer look into Galveston's history. This notable Victorian venue and the Galveston Historical Foundation offer educators and students the opportunity for a variety of educational field trips focusing on history, math, and science. Although this building is not available for weddings or large parties, it does serve as a wonderful setting for wedding photography by arrangement.

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tour bishop's palace galveston

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9 foot tall bronze statue of Ashton Villa to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday in Galveston TX

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Aerial view of the 3 pyramids at Moody Gardens, one is bright blue, one is pink and one is clear

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Aerial view of beachgoers at Stewart Beach on Galveston Island, TX. It is a bright, sunny day and waves are rolling to shore

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tour bishop's palace galveston

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1892 Bishop's Palace

tour bishop's palace galveston

Top ways to experience 1892 Bishop's Palace and nearby attractions

tour bishop's palace galveston

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Bishop's Palace

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Price & Hours

  • Facilities 4.5
  • Atmosphere 4.5

Bishop's Palace – also known as Gresham's Castle – was commissioned by Col. Walter Gresham, an attorney and entrepreneur, and designed by one of Galveston's famous architects, Nicholas Clayton, at the turn of the 19th century. In 1923, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston bought the building, using it as a bishop's residence until 1963 (hence the name, Bishop's Palace). The Victorian home – a National Historic Landmark – is now open to the public for tours and is filled with architectural treasures, such as an all-silver fireplace, bronze dragons and stained-glass windows. 

Recent visitors described the house as "magnificent" and "grand" and were especially complimentary of the attraction's gift shop, which is housed within several rooms of the palace's basement. Most said a visit here is worth every penny of the admission price. However, some cautioned that children may not find this attraction interesting. 

You'll find the house in Galveston's East End Historic District . Admission to Bishop's Palace costs $14 for adults and $9 for kids ages 6 through 18; kids 5 and younger can enter for free. A self-guided audio tour is included in the admission price. If you're interested in an in-depth look at the house, consider signing up for one of the Basement to Attic tours, which take place select Saturdays and cost $30 per person. The Victorian home is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. For more information, visit the Galveston Historical Foundation website . 

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Stewart Beach is one of the most popular strips of sand in Galveston, and with its host of beachside amenities, it's no wonder. There are lifeguards, restrooms, showers, concession stands, plus chair and umbrella rentals – and even a playground for kids. Recent visitors appreciated this beach's large parking lot and loads of amenities, as well as the beach's proximity to the  Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier . 

Stewart Beach sits where Broadway Avenue and the Seawall intersect. Parking costs $12 between Monday and Thursday and $15 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the beach welcomes visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Offseason hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Keep in mind that this family-friendly beach prohibits alcohol. For more information, visit Galveston's tourism board  website . 

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Bishop's Palace

Historical marker.

1402 Broadway, Galveston, TX ( Directions )

One of over 200 historical markers on the island, this marker highlights the architecture of Nicholas J. Clayton .  The marker was erected in 1967 by the Texas Historical Commission.

The Bishops Palace Historic Marker

“Built, 1886-1893, by Col. Walter Gresham, civic leader and U. S. Congressman. Nicholas J. Clayton was architect. One of the most lavish and massive homes in U. S., house is a Victorian adaptation of renaissance style. Silver and onyx mantel in music room won first prize, 1886, at New Orleans Exposition. Mrs. Gresham painted murals, ceilings. Catholic Diocese bought home, 1923, and one room into chapel with stained glass windows.”

“Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1967”

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Galveston Historical Foundation

  • 1895 Moody Mansion

Get Tickets

Tour the 1895 Moody Mansion and the 1892 Bishop’s Palace together by purchasing a “Broadway Beauties” package at checkout!

PLEASE NOTE: The 1895 Moody Mansion will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Moody Mansion

Today, guests visit 20 rooms on a tour that depicts the home life of a wealthy Texas family. W.L Moody Jr. bought the Galveston Broadway mansion from the heirs of the original owners soon after the Great Galveston Storm of September 8, 1900. It was designed by British architect William H. Tyndall and decorated by the world-famous interior design firm of Pottier & Stymus of New York. The house remained home for Moody family members until 1983, when Hurricane Alicia caused major damage. After extensive repair and restoration, Moody Manion opened as a house museum in 1991. Today, its rooms are filled with the furnishings and personal effects of the family.

The philanthropic legacy of the Moody family of Galveston is carried on today by the Moody Foundation and the Mary Moody Northen Endowment. Both charitable foundations are major forces in health care, education, historic preservation, and the arts.

ABOUT MOODY MANSION AND GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION

In 2022, Moody Mansion contracted with Galveston Historical Foundation to oversee online ticketing, on-site sales, and retail services. While the 1895 Moody Mansion is owned and overseen by the Mary Moody Northen Endowment, this partnership allows a wider audience to appreciate two of Galveston’s most notable Broadway residences, Moody Mansion, and the 1892 Bishop’s Palace. Galveston Historical Foundation is one of the nation’s largest local preservation organizations. Over the last 50 years, the foundation has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, public education, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, and stewardship of historic properties.

ACCESSIBILITY

The 1895 Moody Mansion is committed to making its programs and historic site special needs accessible, and has a small elevator available for guests with wheelchairs or walkers. Check with our staff on arrival and they will make arrangements for the elevator’s operation.

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Incorporated in 1954, Galveston Historical Foundation is one of the nation's largest local preservation organizations. Over the last 50 years, the foundation has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, public education, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation and stewardship of historic properties.

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IMAGES

  1. 1892 Bishop's Palace in Galveston, TX

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  2. Bishop's Palace in Galveston

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  3. Historic Bishop’s Palace: A Must-See Galveston Attraction

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  4. This Historic Texas Mansion Has Survived Hurricanes & Is Open for Tours

    tour bishop's palace galveston

  5. Historic Bishop’s Palace: A Galveston, Texas Attraction

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  6. Bishop's Palace

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COMMENTS

  1. 1892 Bishop's Palace

    We can provide an audio tour with photographs and a written transcript of the tour. If you have special needs contact 409-762-2475 or 409-765-3410 or send an email in advance to your visit to make arrangements. Bishop's Palace is a privately owned and operated historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  2. 1892 Bishop's Palace in Galveston, TX

    The 1892 Bishop's Palace, also known as the Gresham House, is a historic landmark located in the East End Historic District of Galveston, TX. This website uses cookies to enhance user experience on our website.

  3. 1892 Bishop's Palace

    1892 Bishop's Palace. 1,364 reviews. #4 of 93 things to do in Galveston. Historic Sites. Closed now. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. About. The Bishop's Palace (a.k.a. Gresham House) is a contributing building in the East End Historic District, a National Historic Landmark.

  4. GALVESTON.COM: 1892 Bishop's Palace

    About. G alveston's grandest and best-known building, the Bishop's Palace is an ornate delight of colored stone, intricately carved ornaments, rare woods, stained-glass windows, bronze dragons and other sculptures, luxury materials and furnishings, and impressive fireplaces from around the world (including one lined with pure silver!).. Built by lawyer Colonel Walter Gresham and designed ...

  5. Bishops Palace

    Old Galveston Custom House was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 25, 1970; Location Highlights. 1402 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77550; ... Tours are offered on Saturdays that give you a grand tour of the entire Bishop's Palace, aka the Gresham House. This exclusive tour gives you access to normally off-limit areas ...

  6. Bishop's Palace, Galveston

    Bishop's Palace, Galveston. /  29.30472°N 94.78194°W  / 29.30472; -94.78194. The Bishop's Palace, also known as Gresham's Castle, is an ornate 19,082 square feet (1,772.8 m 2) [2] Victorian -style house, located on Broadway and 14th Street in the East End Historic District of Galveston, Texas .

  7. Holiday Tours of the 1892 Bishop's Palace

    Tours are held at 5 p.m. on December 8, 15, and 22. RSVP HERE. ABOUT THE 1892 BISHOP'S PALACE. The Bishop's Palace (a.k.a. Gresham House) is a contributing building in the East End Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance in the ...

  8. Historic Bishop's Palace: A Must-See Galveston Attraction

    A Galveston attraction worth seeing while visiting there is the amazing Bishop's Palace. It is easy to spot this Victorian beauty after coming over the I-45 Causeway bridge and traveling down the main street of Broadway. The Gulf of Mexico beaches lie straight ahead. The Bishop's Palace is situated on the left-hand side of the street.

  9. Galveston Historical Foundation

    For over 50 years, Galveston Historical Foundation has expanded their mission to encompass redevelopment, advocacy and preservation of Galveston's history. DONATE | TICKETS | ... 1892 Bishop's Palace Basement to Attic Tours. 1892 Bishop's Palace. Historic Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch. Ship To Shore.

  10. Tours of 1892 Bishop's Palace in Galveston: Summer 2021

    1892 Bishop's Palace in Galveston: Summer 2021. Location: 1402 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77550. Summer Hours : Daily 10am to 5pm (last self-guided tour sold at 4pm). Weekly guided Basement to Attic Tours start at 11am each Saturday. Admission: Self-guide tours are $14; $9 for ages 6 to 18; free for ages 5 and under.

  11. Explore the 1892 Bishop's Palace in Galveston, Texas

    1892 BISHOP'S PALACE, 1402 BroadwayTour one of the island's most popular mansions built of stone and steel, designed by Nicholas Clayton, Galveston's premier...

  12. 1892 Bishop's Palace, Galveston

    1892 Bishop's Palace: Our most recommended tours and activities. 1. Galveston: Ghost-Themed Walking Tour. Explore the spooky side of Galveston, Texas, on a ghost-themed tour that visits the city's most popular haunted spots with the aid of a fun and knowledgeable guide. See firsthand why Galveston is known by some as the most haunted city ...

  13. Bishop's Palace Reviews

    Bishop's Palace is ranked #5 out of 21 things to do in Galveston. See pictures and our review of Bishop's Palace. Travel. ... Historic Galveston Ghost Tour (668 reviews) from $25.00.

  14. Bishop's Palace in Galveston, TX

    Bishop's Palace is one of the most significant Victorian residences in the country, completed in 1892 in Galveston, Texas.

  15. Historical Marker: The Bishop's Palace

    Historical Marker: The Bishop's Palace 2020-01-23T13:49:05-06:00. Home > What to Do > Tours & Sightseeing > Self-Guided Tours > Historical Markers. Bishop's Palace Historical Marker. 1402 Broadway, Galveston, TX . ... From the sun-kissed beaches of Galveston Island, to the dazzling Kemah Boardwalk; from the crystal shores of Bolivar Peninsula ...

  16. 1892 Bishop's Palace

    1892 Bishop's Palace, Galveston, Texas. 6,824 likes · 6 talking about this · 15,074 were here. Prices: $15 adults, $9 youth, 5 and under FREE.

  17. Holiday Tours of the 1892 Bishop's Palace

    Step into the 1892 Bishop's Palace for this special tour highlighting the National Historic Landmark's holiday decorations! Featuring six Christmas trees, live greenery, Poinsettias, and more, you'll learn about the house and Victorian holiday traditions. Complimentary wine and champagne will be served, and photography is encouraged.

  18. Basement to Attic Tours of Bishop's Palace

    Educational and Group Tours ———-Galveston's Juneteenth Exhibhit - "And Still We Rise…" Galveston Historic Seaport - Home of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA; 1892 Bishop's Palace; 1895 Moody Mansion; Architectural Salvage Warehouse; Hendley Green; Historic Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch; Saengerfest Park; Galveston's Immigration ...

  19. Self-guided Tours of 1892 Bishop's Palace in Galveston

    1892 Bishop's Palace in Galveston. Summer Hours : Daily 10am to 5pm (last self-guided tour sold at 4pm). Weekly guided Basement to Attic Tours start at 11am each Saturday. Admission: Self-guide tours are $15; $9 for ages 6 to 18; free for ages 5 and under. Guided Basement to Attic tours are $30. Order tickets or learn more. Or call 409-762-2475.

  20. The Ghosts of the Bishops Palace of Galveston

    The Ghosts of the Bishop's Palace. As Galveston's outstanding Victorian residence, Bishop's Palace is a must-see. This extravagant establishment is as eerie as it is exuberant, as mysterious as it is remarkable. It's even earned the moniker "Gresham's Castle" - eclectic architectural elements stretch across 19,082 square feet, sporadic and ...

  21. Basement To Attic Tour of the 1892 Bishop's Palace

    Sneak a rare look into parts of the 1892 Bishop's Palace, a National Historic Landmark, that are rarely seen by visitors in Galveston Historical Foundation's Basement to Attic Tours, happening on select Saturdays through Saturday, December 19, 2020.. The socially distanced tours are limited to 16 people, with masks required, and include access to Mrs. Gresham's studio and an exclusive ...

  22. 1892 Bishop's Palace Basement to Attic Tours

    1892 Bishop's Palace O ffering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop's Palace Basement to Attic Tours feature Mrs. Gresham's studio. An exclusive third-floor view to a truly one of a kind panoramic of the Gulf of Mexico. Tickets are limited to 20 total guests and are $35 per person.

  23. Basement to Attic Tours of Bishop's Palace

    March 9 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. $35. Offering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop's Palace Basement to Attic Tours feature Mrs. Gresham's studio. An exclusive third-floor view to a truly one of a kind panoramic of the Gulf of Mexico.

  24. 1895 Moody Mansion

    Tour the 1895 Moody Mansion and the 1892 Bishop's Palace together by purchasing a "Broadway Beauties" package at checkout! ... Moody Mansion, and the 1892 Bishop's Palace. Galveston Historical Foundation is one of the nation's largest local preservation organizations. Over the last 50 years, the foundation has expanded its mission to ...