Historic Brownsville Museum in Brownsville, TX | Museums and Galleries

The Historic Brownsville Museum is located in the old Southern Pacific Depot building constructed 1928. A magnificent example of Spanish colonial revival architecture, the building is a Texas Historical Marker and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Collections. The Historic Brownsville Museum's extensive collection features historical artifacts, photography and displays from battles fought during Mexican-American War. Among the permanent displays at the Historic Brownsville Museum is a hand carved mahogany bedroom set circa 1850, belonging to Simon Celaya. Mr Celaya, a prominent local businessman was President and General Manager of the Rio Grande Railroad and also served as the Vice-Consul to Spain.
There are eight primary collections at the Historic Brownsville Museum:
- Military history.
- Restored Engine No. 1 from the Rio Grande Railroad Company.
- Runyon Collection of photos.
- Religious life.
- Life in Brownsville.
- Celaya bedroom suite.
- Hand-colored, framed sketches of many of the historic buildings.
- Sea shells.
Research Collections. The museum's archives have several newspapers from the 19th century, a number of property deeds from the early part of the 1900s, and a limited number of reference books. These may be used for research.
Facilities. 4,332 square feet total, museum building only; approximately 3,500 square feet exhibition area; 100-person lecture hall; not completely wheelchair-accessible.
Gift Shop. Located at the front entrance, the Gift Shop carries books from Brownsville's past and present. These include Brownsville, A Pictorial History by local authors Ruby A Woolridge and Robert B. Vezzetti; The Twin Cities; and Historic Brownsville: Original Townsite Guide. In addition to our large selection of books, the Gift Shop sells train whistles in two sizes, mugs, pencils, locomotive-shaped pens, T-shirts and many other items.
Education Center. If you are seeking a special venue with a historic ambiance, the Mary Yturria Education Center is the perfect setting. The Education center is adjacent to the museum. A quaint courtyard divides the two buildings. The facility is available for rent to host meetings, private receptions or social events. The Historic Brownsville Museum provides the following educational activities:
- Guided tours. School groups provided with activity folders, bookmarks, and Certificates of Appreciation.
- Saturday Academies for school groups.
- Sunday Afternoon Programs.
- Teacher Workshops.
- School or Civic Group Programs.
Membership. Be a part of exciting educational opportunities by becoming a member of the Historic Brownsville Museum. As a member you will enjoy complimentary admissions, receive our quarterly newsletter and invitations to special museum programs and events.