bishops palace tours galveston

1892 Bishop’s Palace

PLEASE NOTE: The 1892 Bishop’s Palace will be closed on March 31 (Easter Sunday), November 1-2 (Lone Star Rally), November 28 (Thanksgiving), December 6-9 (Dickens on The Strand), and December 24-25 (Christmas). 

NEWS AND EVENTS

Basement to attic tours.

ABOUT THE 1892 BISHOP’S PALACE

The 1892 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 area of architecture. Architectural historians list the Bishop’s Palace as one of the most significant of Victorian residences in the country.

1892 Bishop's Palace

Basement to attic tours of bishop’s palace.

The 1892 Bishop’s Palace and Galveston Historical Foundation offer teachers and students a large variety of TEKS aligned field trips focusing on history, math, and science. For more information, call us at 409-762-2475.

ACCESSIBILITY

Galveston Historical Foundation is committed to making our programs and historic sites special needs accessible. However, at this time, Bishop’s Palace does not have a ramp for wheelchairs or walkers and is not fully accessible to those with physical disabilities. 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.

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1892 Bishop's Palace

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Bishop's Palace

Top choice in Galveston

This sumptuous Gothic mansion, built in the 1880s for the Gresham family, became home to the Catholic bishop of neighboring Sacred Heart Church in 1923. Venture past its forbidding exterior, and inside it’s quite glorious, centering on a huge rotunda, and complete with hidden back stairs, false-lit stained glass and other fun features. Self-guided tours explain its history; discount coupons are widely available.

On the 3rd Sat of each month, docent-led 'Basement to Attic' tours (per person $30) take in areas that are otherwise off-limits.

1402 Broadway (Ave J)

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409-762-2475

https://www.galvestonhistory.org

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Bishop's Palace

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.

“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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Podcast: The History of the 1892 Bishop's Palace in Galveston, Texas

More of a visual learner? Read the transcript of this week's Galveston Unscripted podcast episode below:

Tune in every Friday for a brand new episode of the Galveston Unscripted podcast.

While roaming around Galveston Island, whether you have lived here for decades or it is your first time experiencing the historic charm of the Broadway mansions, one victorian structure is sure to capture your attention. Today, most people know the Walter Gresham Home as the Bishop's Palace on 14th Street and Broadway. The Gresham Home is an expansive 19,000-square-foot Victorian-era castle that is staggeringly ornate. Designed for the lawyer, investor, and politician Mr. Walter Gresham and his family by one of Galveston's most well-known architects, Nicholas Clayton, the structure is one of the nation's most significant architectural achievements. This intricate Victorian-era castle has been cited by the American Institute of Architects as one of the 100 most important buildings in the United States. The home that exemplifies Galveston's late 19th-century opulence took over five years to construct. From the foundation to the Gargoyle-topped roof took between 1887 and 1893. Galveston's plentiful businessmen thrived on the island during its late 19th-century economic boom and hired architects from around the world to design and build mansions along Galveston's busiest throughway, Broadway Avenue. Once completed, the Gresham Home was a residential trophy second to none on the island and stood as a beacon of riches and accomplishment. The home is estimated to have been built for $250,000 and constructed with granite, limestone, and sandstone, while the interior exhibits elaborate hand-carved woodwork. The home stood virtually unfazed during The 1900 Storm as nearly every home immediately to the south crumbled to the forces of the most deadly hurricane in U.S. history. First-hand accounts from survivors recall over 200 Galvestonians fleeing their destroyed homes sought refuge at the Gresham Home. The city was ravaged by the destructive hurricane that killed over 6000 people and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings. The Catholic Diocese of Galveston was searching for a suitable home for the Bishop. Walter Gresham died in 1920, and his family sold the expansive house to the Roman Catholic Diocese, which became the home of Bishop Christopher Byrne. The catholic church made a few changes to the home, some of which can be seen today while you tour the mansion, including the transformation of one of the bedrooms into a consecrated Chapel. The Chapel can be identified from the outside by the colorful stained glass on the second floor. The Catholic Diocese of Galveston combined with Houston, and the home was no longer a feasible headquarters for a Bishop's mission. The Catholic diocese opened the home to the public for tours in 1963. The structure was declared a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1967. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and is included in the East End Historic District National Landmark designation. It became apparent that the Catholic Church was not in business to run a museum, and the Galveston Historical Foundation took over the management and restoration of the home. The Gresham Home, also known as the Bishop's Palace, is beautifully maintained and operated by the Galveston Historical Foundation. While exploring Galveston, be sure to take the opportunity to examine this extraordinary exhibition of the island's opulence and economic prominence for yourself. And note that the Gargoyles are no longer on the roof; the cast iron creatures now welcome visitors into the property as you walk up the front stairway.

Click the image above to listen to more episodes of Galveston Unscripted podcast.

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J.R. Shaw Creator & Host of Galveston Unscripted

J.R. Shaw is the creator and host of Galveston Unscripted Podcast & audio tour. Shaw recognizes that history is nuanced and learning it can be powerful. He's made it his mission to reduce the friction between true history and anyone who is willing to listen! J.R. Shaw focuses on telling the full story through podcasting and social media with the goal of making learning accurate history easy and entertaining for all who seek it.

J.R. grew up along the Texas Gulf Coast, where he learned to love talking with anyone about anything! He started Galveston Unscripted after he realized how much he loved talking to people about their stories related to Galveston Island and Texas History. "So much of our history is lost when we don't have the opportunity to hear from those who lived it or have second-hand knowledge."

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America's Most Majestic Stately Homes

Posted: April 23, 2024 | Last updated: April 23, 2024

Grand homes, great history

From homes of the presidents and luxurious mansions of the wealthy to artists' abodes and top architects' greatest achievements, these are no average homes. Easy on the eye and brimming with historic detail and stories of the past, these historic homes offer a glimpse into the American past. Here, we take a look at some of the most beautiful historic homes in the country.

Ca' d'Zan, Sarasota, Florida

The façade is particularly impressive, with intricate cresting and blue-stained glass, while the luxurious interior is fit for the string of celebrity guests that once frequented it. Ringling lived here until his death in 1936, when his beloved state of Florida inherited it. A string of renovations mean it is now as dazzling as ever – visitors can tour the property, before heading over to The Museum of Art, also a project of Ringling’s.

Bishop's Palace, Galveston, Texas

Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Bishop’s Palace was constructed for wealthy lawyer Walter Gresham and his family. In 1923, the property was acquired by the Catholic church and became home to Christopher C. E. Byrne, the Bishop of Galveston, giving the property its name. Check availability for self-guided tours  here .

The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island

The mansion features 70 rooms with a total floor space of 62,484 square feet arranged over five floors. The dazzling Morning Room, for instance, was built by artisans in France, shipped to the US, and assembled on-site, and is adorned with wall panels made from pure platinum. A National Historic Landmark, it's one of 10 Newport Mansions – a collection of the grandest and most historic stately homes in the area.

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Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia

Mount Vernon is the historic plantation home of America's First President George Washington. Today, more than 200 years after Washington's death, the estate pulls in visitors with its large grounds, absorbing museum exhibits and the white-and-red mansion, dating to the 1700s. Museum displays, like Lives Bound Together , explore the lives of the enslaved people who once lived and worked on Washington's estate, while tours cover everything from archaeology and farming to 18th-century America and George Washington himself.

Perched on the banks of the Potomac River,  Mount Vernon 's 21 rooms are immaculately preserved and restored to look almost exactly like they did when the president resided there. One of the highlights of the tour is visiting Washington's study, a room only few were granted access to back in the day. It was also the most challenging to restore as very few descriptions of it exist due to its secretive nature.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West, Florida

The late American writer Ernest Hemingway lived in this Key West home between 1931 and 1940 and the house remains a tribute to him and his work. It’s a graceful, Spanish-inspired building, with much of the novelist's 17th- and 18th-century furniture on display inside. The study where Hemingway worked is also beautifully preserved, capturing the environment as it was when he penned some of his best work, including the short story classic The Snows of Kilimanjaro and his novel To Have And Have Not .

Back in the day, the house featured several luxuries, like indoor plumbing and a built-in fireplace. It was also the first on the island to have an upstairs bathroom with running water and had the first swimming pool in Key West in the 1930s – the only one within 100 miles. Today the house is also home to around 40-50 descendants of Hemingway's polydactyl cats, meaning they all have six toes. Guests are welcome at the museum daily, but note it's cash-only payments on the door.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester, Vermont

The house remained occupied by Lincoln's descendants up to 1975 and today it's almost entirely furnished by only Lincoln family furniture. The 1903 Pullman palace car, another interesting exhibit at Hildene, has been immaculately restored since the time when Robert Lincoln came into possession of it during his tenure as the president of the Pullman Company.

Oheka Castle, Huntington, New York

Oheka Castle in Long Island is certainly a handsome mansion. But it’s the stories surrounding the mansion, built between 1914 and 1919, that really enchant. The second-largest private residence in the US (after the Biltmore Estate), it’s said to be the inspiration behind the glitzy manor in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby . Thanks to its grandeur and European-like appearance, it’s also featured in diverse productions from Citizen Kane to a Taylor Swift music video.

Even the name is fascinating – it’s an acronym of Otto Hermann Kahn, the financier who built the French-style château. He used the estate as a summer home, hosting lavish parties worthy of Jay Gatsby himself in rooms such as the library, richly decorated in jewel shades and luxurious furnishings. It's now a hotel but it's usually possible to visit parts of the mansion and grounds on a tour .

Fallingwater, Mill Run, Pennsylvania

It’s a rare treat to see one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings exactly as he intended. Hovering over cascading waterfalls, the multi-tiered house somehow blends in with its forest surroundings and brings the outside in with numerous terraces, walkways and wall-to-ceiling windows. Built in 1935, the house was originally designed as a weekend home for the family of Liliane and Edgar Kaufmann Sr, owner of Kaufmann's Department Store. It was used by the family until 1963 when Edgar Kaufman Jr donated it to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

The stunning house is often regarded as Wright's most accomplished design and it's included in Smithsonian's Life List of 28 Places to See Before You Die. Guided tours focussing on the striking architecture, grounds and interiors are offered, with full details available on the  website . 

Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee

Fans of the King of Rock 'n' Roll can explore most of the areas of the house as well as the Meditation Garden where Presley and his family are buried. However, the home's second floor, the location of Presley's master suite, remains strictly off limits to all except immediate family members. Of course, this has coated the whole upper level in a thick layer of mystery – some rumors include the fact that the room remains just as Elvis left it. Visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance .

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami, Florida

Visitors can enjoy the graceful Italianate architecture, the manicured gardens, and Deering’s enviable collection of world artworks. The interiors of the main house are particularly interesting as all the details are focused around central elements like doors or fireplaces. The rooms are all also inspired by different Italian cities like Milan (Music Room), Palermo (Reception Room) and Venice (the Cathay and Espagnolette bedrooms). The house is open for visitors .

Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie, Louisiana

This former sugar plantation is named for the miles of graceful, arching oaks it's so famous for. The historic site is dedicated to educating visitors about its history that's spanned more than 200 years, with a particular focus on the history of slavery both at this plantation and in the US generally. The Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit chronicles the lives of the many people enslaved here and shines a spotlight on what their life was really like after emancipation. There's also an exhibit on the Civil War, recounting the events of the conflict.

There are several areas to explore at Oak Alley , from the Big House (the name given to plantation mansions) to the blacksmith shop that brings to life the history of metalwork on plantations in Louisiana. There are cottages on the plantation grounds, if you'd like to spend a night and a restaurant offering typical Southern dishes.

Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, New York

In 1977, the property was acquired by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, who showed it some much-needed love. The entire restored castle has six floors, 120 rooms and a beautiful Italianate garden. Some say it was inspired by the imposing fortresses dotting the German swathe of the River Rhine. The castle and gardens can be visited on guided tours.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia

One of America’s most elegant presidential homes, Monticello belonged to the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson had a keen interest in architecture and his home was fittingly unique. Although the president was a vocal abolitionist, controversially Monticello was also a plantation and hundreds of enslaved people lived and worked here. Their stories are told through exhibits and on-site tours.

Dubbed an "autobiographical masterpiece" of Jefferson, it's known for its unique architectural features, from an octagonal room to the light-filled dome that crowns the property. The grounds include a vegetable garden, forest groves and many blooming flower beds. Monticello is open for visitors, with  advance booking recommended .

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

Like something straight out of an English village, this charming house was the family residence of Edsel and Eleanor Ford. The son of Henry Ford, Edsel was an executive at Ford Motor Company and after the couple's travels in the Cotswolds in England, Edsel specifically asked architect Albert Kahn to design a house that resembles a village cottage as closely as possible. The result was a sprawling country estate with sandstone exterior, traditional slate roof and antique wood paneling and fireplaces brought over from England.

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Both Edsel and Eleanor were serious benefactors and lovers of the art and the house's interior reflects that. The extensive art collection was donated to the Detroit Institute of Arts after Eleanor's passing, replicas hung in their places and the house opened to the public as a museum in the 1970s. Since then the house has undergone multiple large-scale, multimillion renovation projects and is normally open to visit .

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

The estate, opened to the public in the 1930s, is more like a village, albeit the village of dreams with manicured gardens bursting with bright blooms and even an indoor bowling alley. Inside the main château-style house, the rooms range from opulent bedrooms and a medieval-style banqueting hall to the servants’ quarters and kitchens. These can all be explored on tours of the estate.

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Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California

Designed by architect Julia Morgan, this historic landmark, set atop a hill in San Simeon, was the home of media magnate William Randolph Hearst from 1919 to 1947. It's a majestic estate influenced by European architecture and comes complete with ornate swimming pools, manicured grounds and a series of grand rooms in the main residence, Casa Grande. It's typically open to public offering all manner of tours, including art-focused explorations and evening trips.

While the lavish estate was born out of Hearst’s imagination, it was the architect Julia Morgan who brought his vision to life, painstakingly creating a majestic property filled with ornate details inspired by European architecture. Each of the 165 rooms – including Hearst’s enormous, book-filled study – is uncompromising in its extravagance. The property sprawls over 127 acres on a hilltop Hearst named La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill), which had its own airport and zoo.

Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii

The interiors are equally as opulent and the Throne Room is the plushest of them all. Red velvet curtains frame vast windows, chandeliers hang heavy from the ceiling and a pair of gilded thrones sit on a raised platform. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi‘olani were the first royals to live here, moving in as soon as their regal abode was completed. There are now both guided and self-guided audio tours available to explore this fascinating building.

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