About the Museum of the Gulf Coast
Celebrating Gulf Coast Heritage and Native Legends
The Museum of the Gulf Coast opened its doors on July 2, 1994, in a 39,000 square foot building at 700 Procter Street in downtown Port Arthur that once served as a bank. The museum's collection includes more than 35,000 items encompassing photographs, documents, and physical objects representing the biology and history of the Gulf Coast region from prehistoric times to the present. The museum houses its collections in the building's formidable bank vaults, a unique architectural feature that provides secure storage for these treasures.
Permanent exhibits trace the region's rich history from prehistoric era through modern times, featuring sections on Native Americans, European contact, the Texas Navy, the Civil War, economic and cultural growth, the petroleum industry following the Spindletop oil discovery, and the area's extensive maritime heritage. Among the museum's most notable features are a 13-foot taxidermied alligator, the Sabine Banks lighthouse Fresnel lens, one of the largest indoor murals in the South, and indoor fiberglass racecars that showcase the region's diverse heritage.
The Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame is a major highlight, featuring memorabilia and recordings from Port Arthur natives including Janis Joplin and The Big Bopper, alongside her iconic funky Porsche. The museum also honors accomplished individuals from many fields through dedicated exhibits for animator Kelly Asbury (Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Spirit), activist Karen Silkwood, and Major Tom Collins, one of the first pilots to break the sound barrier. The Sports Legends Gallery features audiovisual exhibits, while the rotating gallery hosts new exhibitions every four months, with recent shows including hands-on electrical experiments from the Franklin Institute and thought-provoking exhibits on regional history. Works by artist Robert Rauschenberg and extensive decorative arts collections round out this comprehensive celebration of Gulf Coast culture.
Plan Your Visit
The Museum of the Gulf Coast is located at 700 Procter Street in downtown Port Arthur. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (62+), $5 for college students with valid ID, and $3 for children ages 4-18 (free for children under 4). The museum is closed Sundays and holidays. The building's formidable bank vaults, remaining from its days as the First National Bank, now provide secure storage for the collection's treasures. For hours, program information, and event schedules, call (409) 982-7000 or visit museumofthegulfcoast.org.
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