Museum of the Gulf Coast
Museum of the Gulf Coast
Museum of the Gulf Coast
4.5
Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums • History Museums
Read more
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Museum of the Gulf Coast celebrates the biology, history, and unique culture of the southeastern Gulf Coast, covering the region between Houston and New Orleans. There are two floors of exhibits including features on biodiversity, archaeology and paleontology. The first floor focuses on the pre-history and history of the region and the early petroleum industry. The Gulf Coast Hall of Fame includes politicians, filmmakers, and several successful Hollywood actors including Evelyn Keyes (Gone with the Wind) and G.W. Bailey (Police Academy). Animator Kelly Asbury (Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Spirit), Karen Silkwood, and Major Tom Collins (one of the first pilots to break the sound barrier) have exhibits in this space along with accomplished individuals from many different fields (science, education, politics). There is also a rotating gallery which hosts a new exhibit every four months. The second floor showcases our decorative arts and maritime collections. We also pay tribute to artists, musicians, and athletes who have roots in this area including (but not limited to) Robert Rauschenberg, Janis Joplin, Edgar and Johnny Winter, Jimmy Johnson, and Babe Zaharias. The Museum offers customized tours and a wide variety of educational programming for pre-school children through adults.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view










Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
17 within 3 miles
Attractions
6 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
122 reviews
Excellent
86
Very good
27
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Janice P
1 contribution
Oct 2020
I grew up in Port Arthur, the late 60's and 70's. I wish there were more pictures of Downtown Proctor Street from that time period, downtown was full of people and life.
I remember where every building stood and who owned what. I am glad to see that the old bank was turned into a museum and was not tore down like all the other old buildings. The City (Mayor's Office) had not done their best to help preserve the
landmarks either. Not to vent, but Rose Hill Manor is in rough shape as I am writing this. The roads are in bad shape as well. There is much need for better management within the City of Port Arthur in 2021. I enjoyed the museum very much. The history took back to places I ran through in the City as a teenager. I would love to see more local artist work displayed at this museum. I would also love to see more businesses and people come back to downtown "Ole proctor Street"
I remember where every building stood and who owned what. I am glad to see that the old bank was turned into a museum and was not tore down like all the other old buildings. The City (Mayor's Office) had not done their best to help preserve the
landmarks either. Not to vent, but Rose Hill Manor is in rough shape as I am writing this. The roads are in bad shape as well. There is much need for better management within the City of Port Arthur in 2021. I enjoyed the museum very much. The history took back to places I ran through in the City as a teenager. I would love to see more local artist work displayed at this museum. I would also love to see more businesses and people come back to downtown "Ole proctor Street"
Written March 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marianna P
28 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
I grew up in Port Arthur, yet I learned more about my hometown at this museum than I ever knew before! No, this place is not boring or musty, or any of the other negatives you might have in mind. I found the exhibits fresh, with clever use of technology. Check for special events: they have book signings, live performances, etc. I’m going back with my husband the next time we’re in town!
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
meghann m
Huffman, TX7 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
What a great find!!! This is a wonderfully curated museum with truly interesting artifacts and exhibits. The rich history of Texas and the Gulf coast are well represented. It’s much larger than we expected and great for all ages. Definitely check it out! It’s inexpensive, super cool, and full of awesomeness! The music gallery is very impressive too. So much talent came out of the Gulf Coast region. Loved it!
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gary W
San Marcos, TX11 contributions
Mar 2021
If you want a good indoctrination on the history of the gulf coast as well as a sense of the surrounding culture, this is the place to stop. Even if you just want an excellent museum experience, this is the place to stop. It's a short 30 minute drive south of I-10 and well worth the investment in time. Enjoy!
Written March 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bob55555
Ellensburg, WA238 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Lots of history inside this museum. From Janis Joplin to Jimmy Johnson. Lots of musicians and athletic, with all there information. The start of Port Arthur to the Port it is today. Oil industry from the beginning of time to now. All about Sabine Pass and lighthouse. Lots of information for all ages. From dinosaurs artifacts to a sea shell collection. Along with the Snells 1900’s glass collection. It’s a must, take your time to see it.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katty W
Houston, TX124 contributions
Jan 2020
We went not really expecting much. WOW were we wrong! Took us 2.5 hours to get through the exhibits and both my husband and I felt like we rushed. To truly take in the exhibits properly, you need to do it over several days. Very well done!
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rmmcca1
Alvin, TX23 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
I had so much fun! The 2nd floor is amazing for any music lover. Lots of audio and video from all different genre of music. The staff was incredible, friendly, helpful and so welcoming. Definitely coming back and bringing friends!
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tim D
League City, TX209 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
It is, if you think this is going to be a quick trip, you will be shocked at what is inside this really nice museum.
we went on a Sunday, thinking it would be a quick 1 hour blitz through and spent over an hour on about 25% of the first floor! Noticing their short hours on Sunday, we tried to pick up the pace. Got to see the famous Porsche and about a tenth of the second floor before they were about to close. So, next trip, we will come on a full hours day and see the movie, the entire museum and hit up the gift store.
We want to thank the management for the nice offer as well. See you all soon.
we went on a Sunday, thinking it would be a quick 1 hour blitz through and spent over an hour on about 25% of the first floor! Noticing their short hours on Sunday, we tried to pick up the pace. Got to see the famous Porsche and about a tenth of the second floor before they were about to close. So, next trip, we will come on a full hours day and see the movie, the entire museum and hit up the gift store.
We want to thank the management for the nice offer as well. See you all soon.
Written April 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ownzone2
Glencoe Village, UK3 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
Make some time to visit the museum. And don't rush. There is plenty to see and learn about the gulf coast. Family friendly. We enjoyed the sounds of Port Arthur. We had no idea so much musical talent came from the area, Exhibit and memorabilia on Janis Joplin brought back lots of memories. Also enjoyed the exhibit on sports and sport teams. Staff is friendly and available to answer questions.
Written January 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Norma D
Brentwood, CA70 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Frankly when we saw the state of delapidation in the town we didn't expect the museum to be so well done. It had science, Texas history, music, sports and sea exhibits. The 4 of us all enjoyed the day.
Written October 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Museum of the Gulf Coast (Port Arthur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Museum of the Gulf Coast
- Museum of the Gulf Coast is open:
- Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Museum of the Gulf Coast:
- (0.61 mi) SALT LIFE Waterfront on Sabine Lake With Pool
- (0.61 mi) HIDE TIDE Amazing Water View With Pool
- (0.61 mi) Sunshine Vibes Waterfront Condo Sabine Lake w Pool
- (5.30 mi) Residence Inn by Marriott Port Arthur
- (5.50 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Port Arthur
- Restaurants near Museum of the Gulf Coast:
- (1.02 mi) Tracy's Seafood Deli
- (8.71 mi) The Neches River Wheelhouse
- (5.54 mi) Saltgrass Steak House
- (2.30 mi) Tony's Barbecue & Steakhouse
- (6.06 mi) Texas Roadhouse