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Historic house · Galveston, Texas
Bishop's Palace
A late-19th-century stone mansion in Galveston’s historic district that withstood the 1900 hurricane, open to visitors.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bishop's Palace
The Bishop’s Palace, also called the Gresham House, is a stone mansion built between 1887 and 1893 for lawyer Walter Gresham’s family, designed by architect Nicholas Clayton. It sits on Broadway in Galveston’s historic east end and is one of the most famous Victorian houses in the country.
The house has a granite, sandstone and limestone exterior, towers and iron porches, and an interior with carved woodwork, marble fireplaces and stained glass. It survived the 1900 hurricane and served as a shelter for residents during the storm. Later it was purchased by the Catholic diocese and served as the bishop’s residence, which gave it its current name.
The Galveston historical foundation keeps the house open to visitors, with self-guided tours or guided tours that include the attic and the basement.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one to one and a half hours.
Best time
In the morning on weekdays, when there are fewer groups.
How to get there
By car or on foot, on Broadway, about 1 km from the Strand.
Tip
Combine the visit with a walk through the island’s historic east-end neighborhoods, with wooden Victorian houses.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bishop's Palace
Why is the house called Bishop's Palace?
Because, after belonging to the Gresham family, it was bought by the Catholic diocese and served as the bishop’s residence.
Did Bishop's Palace survive the 1900 hurricane?
Yes, and it served as a shelter for residents during the storm.
Can you visit Bishop's Palace inside?
Yes, either on your own or with guided tours run by the Galveston Historical Foundation.