The Bishop's Palace, also known as Gresham's Castle, is an ornate 19,082 square feet (1,772.8 m2) Victorian-style house, located on Broadway and 14th Street in the East End Historic District of Galveston, Texas.
The Gresham mansion was made all of stone, and was sturdy enough to withstand the great hurricane of 1900. The Greshams welcomed hundreds of survivors of the hurricane into their home.
Bishop’s Palace is great. It’s a self guided tour with reasonable ticket prices ($12 per person) with plenty of space to meander about. Really interesting information on the original owners as well included in the tour and all of the detailed hand carved woodwork, to me, is worth the price of admission. The gift shop has some very cool and unique items to check out when your done.
Quinn BaldwinJan 14, 2018
We (me & kids ages 14 and 9) really enjoyed our tour. We especially enjoyed the Christmas decor. Very lovely. My 9 year old liked holding and "guiding" us with the audio tour tablet. She was really fascinated hearing the history at each of the numbered stops. They have a rather large gift shop. All Christmas items were 50% off which I thought was an excellent value.
Crystal JarrettDec 24, 2017
This elaborate and elegant historic abode located in Galveston, Texas is a worthwhile place to tour. The fine craftsmanship used in the construction of this home as well as the exquisite decor sets it apart from other homes in the area. It is truly an island gem!
Angela AlcornFeb 9, 2018
I enjoyed this museum. It cost 33$ for two adults and a teen, but it was worth it. If you love architecture, this is the place to visit. Absolutely beautiful woodwork and stained glass windows. The marble fireplaces were amazing. The banisters and the floor patterns were artfully crafted. Can you tell, I'm in love with this place. Not much furniture, but the building is amazing. They give you a Ipod that reads the history of each room. Take your cheaters if you don't read small print. Wait until you see the stained glass windows in the chapel.
Stacey SchneiderJan 21, 2018
Beautiful place...they gave us hand held electronic guides. It was really cool using them. My favorite was the stain glass detail I have never seen before
Matthew HFeb 4, 2018
Bishop’s Palace is great. It’s a self guided tour with reasonable ticket prices ($12 per person) with plenty of space to meander about. Really interesting information on the original owners as well included in the tour and all of the detailed hand carved woodwork, to me, is worth the price of admission. The gift shop has some very cool and unique items to check out when you’re done.
Quinn BaldwinApr 4, 2018
Self-guided audio tours (no volume control) of the Gresham's pre-1900 Galveston home that survived Isaac's storm. The Gresham's planned every detail including Mrs. Gresham's hand-painted cherub faces of her kids, wood carvings, inlaid marble, etc.. A must-see when in Galveston.😎
Robert DevorApr 2, 2018
Self-guided audio tour of a Galveston landmark. They are short on audio players, so you may not get one for everyone if you have a large party. Gift shop on ground floor is nice. $12 for adults, $9 for kids, 5 and under are free.
Jeffrey S. RichardsMar 16, 2018
Beautiful home. And incredible library collection of Harvard classics and turn of the century literature and science! So insightful to get a glimpse into the world 100 years past. Great place to take kids to show them a little history. And fun for adults too to see the many ways in which life actually hasn’t changed for families over time. The gift shop has many unique items so be sure to spend some time browsing that as well! Overall a good, unique choice for your Galveston visit which might otherwise be all beach.
Sumedha GoelApr 6, 2018
Its a menacing piece of architecture. Its pretty just...unsettling. I couldn't sleep soundly in a place like that. I'm a fan of 80s interior design but I could still appreciate the craftsmanship of the property. My favorite room was the upstairs bathroom. It was brighter and more lively. I'm not a fan of the dark wood at the staircase. I found it to be quite gloomy.
Jared HMay 6, 2018
one of the most breathtaking homes I've ever seen. My wife and i took our teenage nieces and they were awestruck as well. All of the staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. So nice that you get to set your own pace and explore by yourself instead of being hurried along by a guide. The have iPods you tell you the history of the room your in. The chapel inside was the high point for all of us and we're not of any particular religion. Highly recommend going...
Shane AnthonyApr 6, 2018
Beautiful, old, historic mansion that gives you a glimpse into what Galveston must have been like in its early days. The self-guided tour is good - highlighting interesting facts and stories of the mansion, its occupants, and its builders. The tour doesn't allow access to the third floor, however, so it feels a little incomplete.
Tom ListonJun 8, 2018
The audio tour was great really enjoyed getting to experience this awesome piece of History. The gift shop was very reasonably priced and the staff were informative
Aj PagittJun 10, 2018
Glad we finally visited the Bishops palace, it is full of history and fairly interesting. Beautiful architecture. I don't like the gift shop on the bottom floor. I think the products sold should be more closely related to the Bishop's palace theme.
Positive VibesJul 4, 2018
Very cool experience! I feel like everyone should stop by this spot and just walk around the palace. It's really inexpensive and you can take your time looking around. It is way bigger on the inside that you would think. I really wish they didn't block off the upper story though, that was about the only I think they could improve. My Wife and kids loved it though. I'm not normally into looking at things like this, but even I really enjoyed myself.
J. R.Jul 3, 2018
This was a beautiful historical ho that we truly enjoyed touring. The audio your allows you to learn the history and significance of each room as you walk through the house. With that said, it was often difficult to hear the audio without headphones and with the competing noises of others listening as well as talking.
Sue SchusterJul 16, 2018
This is a really nice place to tour. The audio tour is nice and historical. My wife and I enhoyed the tour, but the check in staff were not very helpful. Both ladies seemed like they didn't want to be there. We asked a question and the lady was very short about the use of the bottom of the house which is now used for the gift shop. Moody mansion tour was way better and the staff there was kind and engaging.
EvaRon LopezJul 8, 2018
Stunning architecture! One needs to be healthy and in shape for the trek up stairwells. Could us a bit of maintenance in places and an elevator for the handicapped. The self-guided tour using a handset had its pros and cons. It left time for pictures and casually viewing. Be sure to take time in the chapel to talk with your Heavenly Father. You will leave with a lighter feeling. The gift shop is pricy, but there are so many offerings. On Saturday's a guided tour is offered, allowing entrance above the second floor. This part of Texas history and hurricane survival on Galveston Island should not be missed! Not child friendly...so parents, enjoy this one alone.
Any AmericanAug 17, 2018
Really enjoyed the self-tour at $6/person. This place was awesome. The beautiful wood workmanship and stain glass windows were something to behold. Nice shop downstairs too.
Mona ScoginsJul 29, 2018
Bishop’s Palace is great. It’s a self guided tour with reasonable ticket prices ($12 per person) with plenty of space to meander about. Really interesting information on the original owners as well included in the tour and all of the detailed hand carved woodwork, to me, is worth the price of admission. The gift shop has some very cool and unique items to check out when your done.
Quinn BaldwinJan 14, 2018
We (me & kids ages 14 and 9) really enjoyed our tour. We especially enjoyed the Christmas decor. Very lovely. My 9 year old liked holding and "guiding" us with the audio tour tablet. She was really fascinated hearing the history at each of the numbered stops. They have a rather large gift shop. All Christmas items were 50% off which I thought was an excellent value.
Crystal JarrettDec 24, 2017
This elaborate and elegant historic abode located in Galveston, Texas is a worthwhile place to tour. The fine craftsmanship used in the construction of this home as well as the exquisite decor sets it apart from other homes in the area. It is truly an island gem!
Angela AlcornFeb 9, 2018
I enjoyed this museum. It cost 33$ for two adults and a teen, but it was worth it. If you love architecture, this is the place to visit. Absolutely beautiful woodwork and stained glass windows. The marble fireplaces were amazing. The banisters and the floor patterns were artfully crafted. Can you tell, I'm in love with this place. Not much furniture, but the building is amazing. They give you a Ipod that reads the history of each room. Take your cheaters if you don't read small print. Wait until you see the stained glass windows in the chapel.
Stacey SchneiderJan 21, 2018
Beautiful place...they gave us hand held electronic guides. It was really cool using them. My favorite was the stain glass detail I have never seen before
Matthew HFeb 4, 2018
Bishop’s Palace is great. It’s a self guided tour with reasonable ticket prices ($12 per person) with plenty of space to meander about. Really interesting information on the original owners as well included in the tour and all of the detailed hand carved woodwork, to me, is worth the price of admission. The gift shop has some very cool and unique items to check out when you’re done.
Quinn BaldwinApr 4, 2018
Self-guided audio tours (no volume control) of the Gresham's pre-1900 Galveston home that survived Isaac's storm. The Gresham's planned every detail including Mrs. Gresham's hand-painted cherub faces of her kids, wood carvings, inlaid marble, etc.. A must-see when in Galveston.😎
Robert DevorApr 2, 2018
Self-guided audio tour of a Galveston landmark. They are short on audio players, so you may not get one for everyone if you have a large party. Gift shop on ground floor is nice. $12 for adults, $9 for kids, 5 and under are free.
Jeffrey S. RichardsMar 16, 2018
Beautiful home. And incredible library collection of Harvard classics and turn of the century literature and science! So insightful to get a glimpse into the world 100 years past. Great place to take kids to show them a little history. And fun for adults too to see the many ways in which life actually hasn’t changed for families over time. The gift shop has many unique items so be sure to spend some time browsing that as well! Overall a good, unique choice for your Galveston visit which might otherwise be all beach.
Sumedha GoelApr 6, 2018
Its a menacing piece of architecture. Its pretty just...unsettling. I couldn't sleep soundly in a place like that. I'm a fan of 80s interior design but I could still appreciate the craftsmanship of the property. My favorite room was the upstairs bathroom. It was brighter and more lively. I'm not a fan of the dark wood at the staircase. I found it to be quite gloomy.
Jared HMay 6, 2018
one of the most breathtaking homes I've ever seen. My wife and i took our teenage nieces and they were awestruck as well. All of the staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. So nice that you get to set your own pace and explore by yourself instead of being hurried along by a guide. The have iPods you tell you the history of the room your in. The chapel inside was the high point for all of us and we're not of any particular religion. Highly recommend going...
Shane AnthonyApr 6, 2018
Beautiful, old, historic mansion that gives you a glimpse into what Galveston must have been like in its early days. The self-guided tour is good - highlighting interesting facts and stories of the mansion, its occupants, and its builders. The tour doesn't allow access to the third floor, however, so it feels a little incomplete.
Tom ListonJun 8, 2018
The audio tour was great really enjoyed getting to experience this awesome piece of History. The gift shop was very reasonably priced and the staff were informative
Aj PagittJun 10, 2018
Glad we finally visited the Bishops palace, it is full of history and fairly interesting. Beautiful architecture. I don't like the gift shop on the bottom floor. I think the products sold should be more closely related to the Bishop's palace theme.
Positive VibesJul 4, 2018
Very cool experience! I feel like everyone should stop by this spot and just walk around the palace. It's really inexpensive and you can take your time looking around. It is way bigger on the inside that you would think. I really wish they didn't block off the upper story though, that was about the only I think they could improve. My Wife and kids loved it though. I'm not normally into looking at things like this, but even I really enjoyed myself.
J. R.Jul 3, 2018
This was a beautiful historical ho that we truly enjoyed touring. The audio your allows you to learn the history and significance of each room as you walk through the house. With that said, it was often difficult to hear the audio without headphones and with the competing noises of others listening as well as talking.
Sue SchusterJul 16, 2018
This is a really nice place to tour. The audio tour is nice and historical. My wife and I enhoyed the tour, but the check in staff were not very helpful. Both ladies seemed like they didn't want to be there. We asked a question and the lady was very short about the use of the bottom of the house which is now used for the gift shop. Moody mansion tour was way better and the staff there was kind and engaging.
EvaRon LopezJul 8, 2018
Stunning architecture! One needs to be healthy and in shape for the trek up stairwells. Could us a bit of maintenance in places and an elevator for the handicapped. The self-guided tour using a handset had its pros and cons. It left time for pictures and casually viewing. Be sure to take time in the chapel to talk with your Heavenly Father. You will leave with a lighter feeling. The gift shop is pricy, but there are so many offerings. On Saturday's a guided tour is offered, allowing entrance above the second floor. This part of Texas history and hurricane survival on Galveston Island should not be missed! Not child friendly...so parents, enjoy this one alone.
Any AmericanAug 17, 2018
Really enjoyed the self-tour at $6/person. This place was awesome. The beautiful wood workmanship and stain glass windows were something to behold. Nice shop downstairs too.
Mona ScoginsJul 29, 2018
Bishop’s Palace is great. It’s a self guided tour with reasonable ticket prices ($12 per person) with plenty of space to meander about. Really interesting information on the original owners as well included in the tour and all of the detailed hand carved woodwork, to me, is worth the price of admission. The gift shop has some very cool and unique items to check out when your done.
Quinn BaldwinJan 14, 2018
We (me & kids ages 14 and 9) really enjoyed our tour. We especially enjoyed the Christmas decor. Very lovely. My 9 year old liked holding and "guiding" us with the audio tour tablet. She was really fascinated hearing the history at each of the numbered stops. They have a rather large gift shop. All Christmas items were 50% off which I thought was an excellent value.
Crystal JarrettDec 24, 2017
This elaborate and elegant historic abode located in Galveston, Texas is a worthwhile place to tour. The fine craftsmanship used in the construction of this home as well as the exquisite decor sets it apart from other homes in the area. It is truly an island gem!
Angela AlcornFeb 9, 2018
I enjoyed this museum. It cost 33$ for two adults and a teen, but it was worth it. If you love architecture, this is the place to visit. Absolutely beautiful woodwork and stained glass windows. The marble fireplaces were amazing. The banisters and the floor patterns were artfully crafted. Can you tell, I'm in love with this place. Not much furniture, but the building is amazing. They give you a Ipod that reads the history of each room. Take your cheaters if you don't read small print. Wait until you see the stained glass windows in the chapel.
Stacey SchneiderJan 21, 2018
Beautiful place...they gave us hand held electronic guides. It was really cool using them. My favorite was the stain glass detail I have never seen before
Matthew HFeb 4, 2018
Bishop’s Palace is great. It’s a self guided tour with reasonable ticket prices ($12 per person) with plenty of space to meander about. Really interesting information on the original owners as well included in the tour and all of the detailed hand carved woodwork, to me, is worth the price of admission. The gift shop has some very cool and unique items to check out when you’re done.
Quinn BaldwinApr 4, 2018
Self-guided audio tours (no volume control) of the Gresham's pre-1900 Galveston home that survived Isaac's storm. The Gresham's planned every detail including Mrs. Gresham's hand-painted cherub faces of her kids, wood carvings, inlaid marble, etc.. A must-see when in Galveston.😎
Robert DevorApr 2, 2018
Self-guided audio tour of a Galveston landmark. They are short on audio players, so you may not get one for everyone if you have a large party. Gift shop on ground floor is nice. $12 for adults, $9 for kids, 5 and under are free.
Jeffrey S. RichardsMar 16, 2018
Beautiful home. And incredible library collection of Harvard classics and turn of the century literature and science! So insightful to get a glimpse into the world 100 years past. Great place to take kids to show them a little history. And fun for adults too to see the many ways in which life actually hasn’t changed for families over time. The gift shop has many unique items so be sure to spend some time browsing that as well! Overall a good, unique choice for your Galveston visit which might otherwise be all beach.
Sumedha GoelApr 6, 2018
Its a menacing piece of architecture. Its pretty just...unsettling. I couldn't sleep soundly in a place like that. I'm a fan of 80s interior design but I could still appreciate the craftsmanship of the property. My favorite room was the upstairs bathroom. It was brighter and more lively. I'm not a fan of the dark wood at the staircase. I found it to be quite gloomy.
Jared HMay 6, 2018
one of the most breathtaking homes I've ever seen. My wife and i took our teenage nieces and they were awestruck as well. All of the staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. So nice that you get to set your own pace and explore by yourself instead of being hurried along by a guide. The have iPods you tell you the history of the room your in. The chapel inside was the high point for all of us and we're not of any particular religion. Highly recommend going...
Shane AnthonyApr 6, 2018
Beautiful, old, historic mansion that gives you a glimpse into what Galveston must have been like in its early days. The self-guided tour is good - highlighting interesting facts and stories of the mansion, its occupants, and its builders. The tour doesn't allow access to the third floor, however, so it feels a little incomplete.
Tom ListonJun 8, 2018
The audio tour was great really enjoyed getting to experience this awesome piece of History. The gift shop was very reasonably priced and the staff were informative
Aj PagittJun 10, 2018
Glad we finally visited the Bishops palace, it is full of history and fairly interesting. Beautiful architecture. I don't like the gift shop on the bottom floor. I think the products sold should be more closely related to the Bishop's palace theme.
Positive VibesJul 4, 2018
Very cool experience! I feel like everyone should stop by this spot and just walk around the palace. It's really inexpensive and you can take your time looking around. It is way bigger on the inside that you would think. I really wish they didn't block off the upper story though, that was about the only I think they could improve. My Wife and kids loved it though. I'm not normally into looking at things like this, but even I really enjoyed myself.
J. R.Jul 3, 2018
This was a beautiful historical ho that we truly enjoyed touring. The audio your allows you to learn the history and significance of each room as you walk through the house. With that said, it was often difficult to hear the audio without headphones and with the competing noises of others listening as well as talking.
Sue SchusterJul 16, 2018
This is a really nice place to tour. The audio tour is nice and historical. My wife and I enhoyed the tour, but the check in staff were not very helpful. Both ladies seemed like they didn't want to be there. We asked a question and the lady was very short about the use of the bottom of the house which is now used for the gift shop. Moody mansion tour was way better and the staff there was kind and engaging.
EvaRon LopezJul 8, 2018
Stunning architecture! One needs to be healthy and in shape for the trek up stairwells. Could us a bit of maintenance in places and an elevator for the handicapped. The self-guided tour using a handset had its pros and cons. It left time for pictures and casually viewing. Be sure to take time in the chapel to talk with your Heavenly Father. You will leave with a lighter feeling. The gift shop is pricy, but there are so many offerings. On Saturday's a guided tour is offered, allowing entrance above the second floor. This part of Texas history and hurricane survival on Galveston Island should not be missed! Not child friendly...so parents, enjoy this one alone.
Any AmericanAug 17, 2018
Really enjoyed the self-tour at $6/person. This place was awesome. The beautiful wood workmanship and stain glass windows were something to behold. Nice shop downstairs too.
Mona ScoginsJul 29, 2018
Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.