A Visit to Moody Mansion in Galveston, TX

There’s something incredibly enjoyable about stepping back in time, especially when you’re surrounded by history, charm, and a touch of nostalgia. During our recent trip to Galveston, TX, we decided to escape the rain with a visit to the Moody Mansion—a perfect way to spend a rainy day at the beach.

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This 28,000 square-foot, four-story Galveston historic home built in 1895, once home to Mary Moody and her family, offers a captivating glimpse into the past, and I was thrilled to soak in every detail.

Exploring the Mansion: Guided or Self-Guided

The mansion itself is open for both guided and self-guided tours, with tickets priced at a reasonable $15. We opted for the self-guided tour, which allowed us to explore at our own pace.

The Moody Mansion is located at 2618 Broadway in Galveston, Texas. Reservations can be made at 409-762-7668 or on the website here.
Self-guided Tours Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Last ticket sold at 4 p.m.)
Admission: Adult – $15 | Youth (6-17) – $7 | Children (5 & Under) – Free

Each of the 20 rooms in the house comes to life with the voice of Mary Moody herself, thanks to the convenience of QR codes placed throughout the mansion. Listening to her recount the details of each room made the experience feel personal and immersive—no detail was left out, and I found myself getting lost in the stories of her life and home.

Starting the Tour in the Carriage House

Our adventure began in the Carriage House, where we were immediately transported back in time. The vintage cars displayed here were a sight to behold—polished to perfection and brimming with stories from the past.

Learning about the history of these classic automobiles was a awesome start to the tour, setting the stage for the grandeur that awaited us inside the mansion.

A Perfect Outing for History Lovers

As someone who adores everything old and nostalgic, the Moody Mansion was a dream come true.

The meticulously preserved rooms, filled with period furnishings and artifacts, made me feel like I had stepped into another era.

It’s the perfect activity for anyone who appreciates history, especially on a rainy day when the beach isn’t an option.

The Grand Staircase and Stained Glass Window

The highlight of the tour, without a doubt, was the grand staircase. As we ascended, we were greeted by a stunning stained glass window that stretched above us, casting colorful light across the space.

The intricately carved newel post at the base of the staircase was a work of art in itself, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship that went into creating such a beautiful feature.

The Children’s Museum in the Basement

One of the delightful surprises was discovering the Children’s Museum located in the basement of the mansion.

It’s a fun and educational space where little ones can engage with hands-on exhibits while learning about the history of the Moody family and Galveston. It’s a wonderful addition that makes the mansion tour enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

A Stately Entrance and Resilient History

As we left the mansion, we took a moment to admire the engraved stone out front and the wrap-around iron gate that leads to the grand entrance.

The mansion’s windows, which start at ground level, are a testament to the resilience of the home and its history. After the first hurricane, dirt was brought in to build up the area around the mansion, a decision that has helped it withstand the test of time and nature.

Over the years, the Moody Mansion has survived multiple hurricanes, standing strong as a symbol of the island’s enduring spirit.

A Piece of Galveston’s History

The home has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior since 1994 and a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark since 1967.

W.L Moody Jr. bought the Galveston Broadway mansion from the heirs of the original owner soon after the Great Galveston Storm of September 8, 1900. It was designed by British architect William H. Tyndall and decorated by the world-famous interior design firm of Pottier & Stymus of New York.

The house remained home for Moody family members until 1983, when Hurricane Alicia caused major damage. After extensive repair and restoration, Moody Manion opened as a house museum in 1991.

Today, the Moody Mansion serves as a museum, sharing the rich history of the island and the Moody family with visitors from near and far. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Galveston, offering a unique glimpse into the past and a chance to connect with the stories that shaped this beautiful island.

The home is also available for rent for events like weddings, reunions, anniversaries, and meetings. The formal ballroom is a memorable venue, and less formal space is available outside in the garage area, with easy access to free parking. There is ample room outside for tables and tents, and the mansion is a popular setting for bridal photos. For rental information, please click here.

Our visit to Moody Mansion was a memorable one, filled with so much history and beauty two things I adore. If you find yourself in Galveston, especially on a rainy day, I highly recommend taking a step back in time with a tour of this magnificent estate.

More on Galveston, TX

There is so much to do in this fun Texas beach town ~ my family loves to come here annually to grab a little sun and sand since it is the closest beach to drive to from where we live.

I shared our favorite place to stay in Galveston, TX and other things to do around town in Galveston in the post below.