Museum of the Gulf Coast, Port Arthur

About Museum of the Gulf Coast

The Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur tells the story of the Texas Gulf Coast region through permanent exhibits spanning paleontology, Native Americans, European contact, the Texas Navy, the Civil War, petroleum industry, and maritime history. The museum's second floor features multiple Halls of Fame honoring over 200 internationally recognized musicians, athletes, artists, and notable figures with regional ties, including Janis Joplin in the Music Hall of Fame. The 39,000 square foot facility houses an orientation theater, classroom, and gift shop across two floors of exhibits. Visitors explore a collection of more than 35,000 items including photographs, documents, and physical objects representing Gulf Coast biology and history from prehistoric times to the present. Educational programs and guided group tours are available with advance notice. The Pompeiian Villa, a 1900 mansion designed to resemble ancient Roman villas, is associated with the museum and available for tours.