The Bryan Museum

The Bryan Museum was born from humble beginnings. At the age of ten, J.P. Bryan acquired his first two pieces, a Moore Patent Front Loading Revolver and a Sharps Patent Four-Barrel Derringer. Both guns are still in the collection today. While studying at the University of Texas, Bryan started a rare book and print business with a friend. During this time he began to focus his collecting on Texana. He began with rare books, which interested him greatly. Bryan’s uncle, Brazoria County Judge Lewis Wilson, bequeathed his impressive collection of Texas literature to Bryan and gave him a solid foundation.

From there, the collection expanded both rapidly and versatile. The museum’s art collection focuses on artists who lived during the Golden Age of the West, or “when the dust settled,” so it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience this period of history in person. In October 2013, J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan bought the old Galveston Orphans Home in Galveston, Texas. After careful restoration of the historic structure, the Bryan Museum opened in June 2015. With 20,000 square feet of exhibit space and lush manicured grounds, it has become a Texas destination. Experience the epic story of Texas and the American West! Our beautiful collection includes original art, artifacts and touch screens – making history fun and accessible for everyone. An adventure in history comes true at the Bryan Museum. Don’t forget to check out this place in Galveston too.

The Bryan Collection, one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts, documents and art related to Texas and the American West, was assembled by J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan. The collection spans over 12,000 years, with items ranging from ancient indigenous peoples. from cultural objects to modern objects of the 21st century. With a total of around 70,000 items, the collection includes 20,000 rare books; more than 30,000 documents in Spanish, German, French and English; three dozen saddles; more than 250 antique guns; several hundred jars; a large collection of fine arts, religious art, folk art and portraits; extremely rare cards and items such as “cowboy” barrels; Native American stone tools and arrowheads; and Spanish Broadcasting at The Bryan Museum presents a chronological history of Texas and the American West, with a special focus on Spanish influence in the region. If you are ever in need of a painter , click here.