Moody Mansion | Galveston, TX
What: Moody Mansion | Where: 2618 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, Texas | When: Completed in 1895 | Style: Victorian
Completed in 1895, Moody Mansion is a stunning four-story historic home situated in the heart of Galveston.
Moody Mansion is one of my favorite places to visit in Galveston, besides Bishop’s Palace, and offers a wonderful experience for all visitors. They have an expansive property that includes a carriage house and garage where you can find a few of the Moodys’ antique cars, as well an introduction to the tour.
On your tour of the home, you’re able to see 20 different rooms throughout the 28,000 square foot mansion. The tour provides insight into the history of Galveston and what life was like for the Moody family during the turn of the century.
Brief history from the Moody Mansion website:
The Moodys established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking, ranching, insurance, newspaper publishing, railroading and hotels.
W.L Moody Jr. bought the Galveston Broadway mansion from the heirs of the original owners 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.
Mr. and Mrs. Moody and their four children celebrated their first Christmas in the house in December of that year, just three months after the 1900 hurricane. The house remained home to Moody family members until 1983, when Hurricane Alicia caused major damage. Following repairs and restoration, it was opened as a house museum in 1991. Today, its rooms are filled with the furnishings and personal effects of the family.
Moody Mansion has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior since 1994 and has been a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark since 1967.
I love how the detailing throughout the home, from the ceiling intricacies to the fireplace woodwork, embraces Galveston’s close proximity to beaches and the Gulf of Mexico. These shell motifs are so charming!
Restored to its turn of the century grandeur.
Of all the stunning rooms in this house, my favorite room also happened to have my absolute favorite fireplace.
The detailing! Light blue and yellow shades fill the space with intricate carvings and inlays, damask wall coverings, elaborate wall sconces, and a mirror that goes to the ceiling covered in a gorgeous mural. What’s not to love? Of course, I had to take a mirror selfie here because it’s hard to top this setting.
Find out more about Moody Mansion and its history here: https://www.moodymansion.org/.