Texas Prison Museum, Huntsville

About Texas Prison Museum

The Texas Prison Museum offers visitors a detailed look at the history and operations of the Texas prison system through numerous exhibits and artifacts. The museum, established in 1989, features displays that examine the lives of imprisoned citizens and show what occurs behind prison walls and fences. Visitors explore prison-related artifacts and learn about the system's development over time. The museum also operates a gift shop showcasing inmate-made craft items including leather goods, metal products, and wood items. The attraction draws a diverse audience, from grade-school students on educational field trips to tourists visiting from around the world, with approximately 36,000 annual guests. The museum publishes multiple admission prices online and maintains regular operating hours throughout the week. Located in Huntsville, Texas, the museum sits in the town where the first Texas prison unit was built in 1848, establishing Huntsville as the headquarters of the state's prison system.