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Bishop's Palace
Rating Details »
Categories: Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Museums [Edit]
1402 Broadway StGalveston, TX 77550
(409) 762-2475
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
5 reviews for Bishop's Palace
After touring this grand old house this past Saturday on the Island, I've decided that I could definitely live here. With my entire extended family. And a cadre of three or four servants.
Built in the 1880's for the Gresham family--Papa Gresham was a railroad baron and U.S. congressman--by Nicholas Clatyon, Galveston's preeminent architect during the Victorian era, the original cost of the "palace" was $250,000. That's $5.75 million in today's dollars, by the by. Personally, I'd rather live in a grand old house like this rather than some Hollywood star's generic compound. Most of that $5.75 million today would go towards flatscreen TV's and electronic components rather than the fantastic architectural details exhibited within the house. Clayton was an extremely inventive designer and introduced several modern conveniences to the mansion. The Gresham home was the first in the world to feature recessed alcove lighting, and the grand fireplace in the front room has no chimney--it was built as a gas fireplace at the very first.
This beautiful home acquired its nickname as the "Bishop's Palace" in the 1920's, when the then-Diocese of Galveston purchased the house for $40,000 as a home for Bishop Christopher C. E. Byrne, who had grown up as a poor farmboy from Missouri and always felt very humbled that a man from such modest beginnings could end up in a "palace" such as the one in Galveston.
Tours for adults are $10 per person, and I felt like I got my money's worth, though I wish the palace was a little better furnished. Some of the rooms on the ground floor seemed rather barren. The third floor is also closed to visitors thanks to the fact that there's only one narrow servant's staircase up to the top, and although I appreciate the fire code, it can also be a big fun-spoiler (hmmph).
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and offered a lot of information about the house, its inhabitants and the unique design details that make the Bishop's Palace a national treasure.. As a bibliophile, my favorite room was the library. With built-in bookshelves (with innovative sliding glass doors instead of the usual doors that open outwards), Bishop Byrne's grand marble-topped desk, and wood paneling from floor to ceiling, I was in heaven.
Dress comfortably. In the summer, there are just a few window units cooling the whole place. During the 1880's, all of the windows would've been open, but as they don't have an army of servants to close them all at night, I can understand the need for modern a/c, though I'd love to feel the salty sea breeze coming through the grand open windows here in the Bishop's Palace.
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The Bishop's Palace was built as a showcase for the Gresham family. It was designed by an architect named Mr. Clayton who built it with thick walls, fancy windows and a flair for detail. Calla lillies and other Victorian details abound in the woodwork and lighting of the house. Because the house was designed for strength and beauty, the house survived the 1900 Hurricane and Hurricane Ike. The ground floor was for servant's quarters and storage while the second floor is where the family living area really began. Our guide told us that during the 1900 hurricane Gresham family servants were on the front porch, which is on the second floor, fishing survivors out of the water. As time passed, none of the Gresham children wanted the house and had all moved to the mainland. They sold the house to the Catholic church for 36,000 and it then became known as the Bishop's palace. the ArchBishop had a private chapel constructed upstairs and lived in the house for several decades.
The house is open for touring for about 8 dollars per adult. If you love architecture and history, stop by for a tour. I liked the Moody Mansion a bit better but my Mother liked the Bishop's Palace better. Both are worth your tourism dollar.
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I love this old palace. Now it was not originally built or designed by a bishop it got it name after the bishop after he had gotten it as a gift to the church.
The original family had many tragedies and loss of life. The lady of the home went insaine and the Old bishop took the family home.
Its an innovating design with a fire place in the entrance no chimney, other features like lights, plumming, and elevators, made this palace very modern for its time.
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If you're into old Victorian style architecture you'll absolutely love this place. It's ornate decorations are incredibly beautiful with extreme detail and care presented in each piece.
The cost of admission is low compared to other similar attractions and for anyone that enjoys buildings and their beauty, the Bishop's Palace is certainly not a place to pass by.
I'd almost say it's the most well known building in Galveston. If you're passing through make sure to schedule it into your itinerary, it will definitely be worth it.
An outstanding view of Victorian life and time. Galveston has some of the best historic buildings and you can really tell that they are proud of them. The building is well taken care of with dedicated guides and historians.