1315 21st Street
Galveston, Texas 77550
info@thebryanmuseum.org
(409) 632-7685
501(c)(3) Non-Profit
Special Exhibitions
Special Exhibitions at The Bryan Museum
Special Exhibitions are a wonderful way for The Bryan Museum to shed light on untold stories and highlight extraordinary people, events, eras, subcultures, and movements that contribute to the story of Texas, Galveston, and the American West. These dynamic exhibitions are here on display for a limited time, but some go on to become traveling exhibits. They range from select items from The Bryan Museum vault that have been curated for a themed exhibition to special collections from museum partners across the country.
Exhibition Opening Receptions for Members
The Bryan Museum’s members have a chance to view Special Exhibitions before they open to the public! All members get invited to Members’ Opening Night receptions for select exhibitions, where they can enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres, explore the exhibit space, socialize with other members, and even meet individuals involved in the making of the exhibition. Join us at the next opening night!
Special Exhibits Gallery
From the Vault: Never Before Seen Items from the Bryan Collection
November 14, 2025 through April 12, 2026
“From the Vault” offers a rare glimpse into the hidden treasures of The Bryan Museum’s extensive collection: artifacts, artworks, and archival materials rarely seen by the public. The Bryan Museum collection contains thousands of pieces, but only approximately 10% are currently on display while the remainder are carefully stored and preserved in one of the museum’s many vaults. Owner and founder J.P. Bryan’s extensive collecting history has allowed him to amass a collection spanning thousands of years, Texas, Native American, Western history and beyond.
The full extent of J.P. Bryan’s collection has yet to be viewed in its entire state, but this exclusive exhibit seeks to bring to light forgotten gems, seldom-seen masterpieces, and historically significant objects that, until now, have remained tucked away in our museum’s vault. Featuring objects, such as Sam Houston’s wallet, will allow viewers to see items associated with familiar names in Texas history, while other collections from the vault will allow visitors to learn about other important Texas figures such as Everett Townsend. From Native American pottery to European religious paintings, and from antique maps to cowboy guns, “From the Vault” brings together a unique opportunity to see the depth and scope of J.P. Bryan’s collecting history for The Bryan Museum.