United States
Texas (TX)
Texas Gulf Coast
Galveston Island
Galveston
Things to Do in Galveston
Moody Mansion
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Moody Mansion

See all things to do
See all things to do
Moody Mansion
4.5
778 reviews
#7 of 78 things to do in Galveston
Historic Sites • History Museums
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Restored to its turn of the century splendor, the 28,000 square-foot, four-story structure was completed in 1895. Today, our guests visit 20 rooms on a self-guided tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. The Moodys established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking, ranching, insurance and hotels. The mansion is one of the finest places to visit, a trip back in time. Touring the museum should definitely be on the top on the list for things to do on Historic Galveston Island. Tour Information: Self-guided Audio Tours: Children 6 & Under Free Self-guided audio tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last tickets sold at 4p.m.; house closes at 5 p.m.) Behind-the-scenes Tours: Exclusive docent-guided tours to areas not normally open to the public 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday | limited size tours | reservations highly recommended Group Tours: Moody Mansion tour descriptions: Self-guided audio tours: Two audio tours allow you to set your own pace through the house and grounds. • The Moody Family tour features six members of the Moody family telling stories about their ancestors. This tour is also translated into Spanish. • Mary’s tour, appropriate for children and adults, is narrated by an actress portraying the late Mary Moody Northen as if she were guiding you through her home. Guided 25th Anniversary Tour: Behind-the-scenes tours celebrate the 25th anniversary of Moody Mansion’s restoration. A knowledgeable docent guides guests through areas not normally open to the public, describing Mary Moody Northen’s vision for preserving her home and sharing her collections. These tours are conducted at 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tour size is limited; reservations are highly recommended.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
778 reviews
Excellent
473
Very good
222
Average
55
Poor
12
Terrible
16
MelissaWP
Shorewood, IL433 contributions
magnificent
Aug 2022
We arrived here on a Tuesday late morning and it was not crowded with ample free parking in the back lot. We spent $30 for the self-guided audio tour for two of us, which was pricey in our opinion for the experience. It's a beautiful mansion and fascinating tour. Although the woman from whom we purchased tickets was very nice, the older woman inside of the mansion who had to let us exit was very rude and harsh.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi183765
Wentzville, MO56 contributions
Beautiful Home Tour!
Oct 2022 • Couples
A gorgeous old home that has been impeccably maintained. The greeting docent was super informative and helpful. Loved that you could choose your tour (three options, including one in Spanish) on your phone so you could move through the entire museum at your own pace. (I highly recommend bringing headphones!)
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EpicGuy12
Queen Creek, AZ872 contributions
Local Gem
Oct 2021
We were in town and wanted to take a tour of this wonderfully historic home. We paid the modest ticket price and decided to do a self-tour which was well worth it. While there is a 3rd story you aren't allowed up there unless you go on one of the guided tours of home. That being said this place is quite beautiful and frozen in time so it was amazing to see so much of the original furniture and decorations. The furniture was so intricate and the craftsmanship on the interior is something to behold. You really stand there and imagine what it must have been like back on the island at that time. This place really is worth a visit if you enjoy history.
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX1,059 contributions
Such a beautiful piece of Galveston history
Feb 2020 • Friends
I've been to nearby Bishop's Palace a few times but this was my first time visiting Moody Mansion. All I can say is wow! Most of the furnishings are original and that stained glass window above the staircase is breathtaking. I really enjoyed hearing the history of the house and the Moody family and of course seeing how they lived before AC and modern amenities. Please be aware that guided tours are only offered on the weekends where you get to explore all 4 floors of the home. During the week it is a self guided tour with the help of an audio guide you carry around with you and you only have access to 2 floors for this tour. Do not miss the opportunity to hear the unique history of the beautiful stained glass window and stopping in the garage to see the classic cars that belonged to the Moody family.

This is definitely worth a stop if you are in Galveston and looking for something to do. The only complaint I have is the gift shop did not have any Moody Mansion T shirts (I collect t shirts from my travels) but I was able to get a unique magnet for the refrigerator. Tickets for this attraction are around $15 per person and the self guided tour will take a couple of hours unless you are rushing through it.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
janea54
Fort Worth, TX125 contributions
Lovely home
Oct 2022
If you are a fan of old homes, this one is a must-see in Galveston! Parking is in a lot behind the mansion. We didn't discover this until after parking on street in front of home. There are 3 old cars in car barn attached to gift shop that you don't want to miss. This is also where the only restroom is. You go around front of house where you ring bell and a volunteer will open it. We did self-guided tour which was fine. Signs throughout home by certain objects/fixtures were humorous! Gift shop clerk and door greeter were very good about answering questions. We spent about an hour or so touring.
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MADISON C
2 contributions
The Perfect Place for the Whole Family
Mar 2021
I cannot say enough good things about Moody Mansion. There is something for the whole family. On the first and second floors, it is a wonderful home frozen in time. there is an audio recording that you can listen to that takes you on a narrated tour as you walk around. The hidden gem though lies underneath the house. The old servants quarters have been remolded into a wonderful little childrens museum, with very cheap entry.
Written January 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MissTexas
Kerrville, TX252 contributions
Moody Mansion Survived The 1900 Hurricane That Killed 6,000+-
Jun 2020 • Couples
My husband and I were on a week-end getaway & we decided to tour the Manson, as it’s something we both enjoy.
We brought our masks but the gift shop also had some available to purchase.You can also buy your tickets there, but we opted to do so online.
There is also a restroom here.
The gift shop employee was very gracious,& knowledgeable, it was aplastic she was passionate not only about the mansion, but also the Moody family. She explained most people during the time of construction were immigrants looking for better lives. After a brief chat she gave us our tour remotes. These are numerically matched with rooms in the home, so self-touring is nice as you go at your own pace.
We left the gift shop & began the tour nearby learning about several vintage vehicles.
From there we made our way to the porch stairs. This is where carriages would load & unload. There’s a built-in seating area.
We rang the doorbell and were greeted with the docent; with very kind man who told us if we had questions to feel free to let him know.
When ascending the massive staircase, you’ll see one of the most beautifully detailed stain glass works of art ever!(see photo).
I was very impressed that the home had hot water heaters, running water, and a skylight!
We made our way throughout the mansion, (with the exception of the 3rd floor, it is closed) on just over an hour.
Once completed we turned our remotes in at the gift shop and were on our way.
Most of the home has been restored. There’s a bathroom upstairs that was left partially unfinished to so visitors could see the various layers of wall, and that was interesting.
Most impressive was the architecture and that the structure endured the horribly deadly hurricane of 1900.
A wonderful place to visit and learn.
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ksufan88
Wichita, KS5,201 contributions
Excellent Tour even with COVID-19 measures
Jun 2020
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gift shop (located at the back of the property along with some off-street parking) with credit or debit (no cash). We received an excellent explanation of what to expect during the tour from the lady at the gift shop who handed us the audio devices (sealed in plastic bags). There were three audio choices at each of the stations in each of the rooms open for tours on the first and second floors (regular information, personal diary snippets, and regular information in Spanish). There is also a short introductory video and three old cars to see in the garage. The home contains period furnishing and family photographs, and the audio tour is well done. We were able to see everything in 90 minutes.
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul P
Dallas, TX475 contributions
Grand Home
Apr 2021 • Couples
The Moody Mansion is a grand home definitely worth seeing. Admission includes a very comprehensive audio tour, much of which is narrated by Moody descendants. There are also a couple of docents inside the home to answer questions.

The ladies in the ticket office seemed completely befuddled by the fact that I had bought my tickets online and didn’t seem to care at all that I had the confirmation on my phone. They were not particularly welcoming, but we got past that.

The tour starts in the garage with a video about the family and a view of three of their cars. You then proceed to the mansion and enter the front door. All rooms on the first and second floor can be viewed and have audio.

There are stairs up to the front door and of course to the second floor.
Written April 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charlotte L
Georgia54 contributions
Learn More Than You Probably Need To About The Moody Family!
May 2021
This is a beautifully maintained mansion with many of the family’s original furnishings. It is a self-guided audio tour with 2 audio tracks to choose from. One track describes the rooms with additional narrative information provided by living Moody family members and relatives. The second track is a rather cloying and pretentious presentation of basically the same information by someone portraying Mary Moody at age 16. I found this second track annoying. While the descriptions of the rooms and their uses and inhabitants were interesting and detailed, I wanted more information about the specific objects in the rooms. I liked the small signs placed about the house reminding people to social distance and not touch the artifacts. They were light-hearted and got the point across without being negative or overbearing. The room detailing conservation measures was very interesting and provided a different way to look at objects. The family history is presented over and over until you feel the Moody family is part of yours! All in all, definitely worth a visit.
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Moody Mansion (Galveston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Moody Mansion
Moody Mansion is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Moody Mansion tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Moody Mansion tours on Tripadvisor
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