Galveston's Historic Group Venues

Home to the second largest historic preservation group in the nation, it’s no surprise that Galveston has restored many of her historic homes and mansions, transforming them into elegant group venues. What is surprising is that Galveston has so many old homes to work with, considering that this city was the site of one of the country’s worst natural disasters, a hurricane known as the Great Storm. Striking on September 8, 1900 , the hurricane killed over 6,000 residents and destroyed one-third of the city.

One of the most popular historic homes in the city is The 1859 Ashton Villa, an antebellum mansion with a ballroom for up to 200 at a reception or 225 for a seated dinner. Visitors can tour the home which was used for many social events hosted by one of Texas’s wealthiest businessmen to view its original furnishings, artwork, and heirloom pieces.

Another lavish venue is the Moody Mansion and Museum. Built in 1895, the mansion includes an elegant ballroom for up to 150 guests at a reception. Attendees can tour the home, which remains filled with the family’s heirlooms as well as stained glass.

Galveston’s oldest home is the 1838 Michel B. Menard Home, known for its Southern style and its collection of Federal and American Empire antiques. This mansion is no newcomer to throwing parties, however; the home of Galveston’s founder hosted the city’s first Mardi Gras celebration. Small receptions of up to 75 or dinner for 24 can be held indoors but most groups opt for the landscaped grounds, which include a gazebo. Groups of as many as 150 delegates can be accommodated outdoors.

Two historic inns in Galveston also offer meeting and reception facilities. A Greek Revival style marks The Mermaid and the Dolphin, a mansion built in 1866 that today operates as an elegant B&B. The inn’s Grand Ballroom can accommodate standing receptions for 80 people or banquet style seating for 60 people; a pub is available for small receptions of up to 20. Additional space is available in the tropical gardens. Another option is the The Victorian Inn, built in 1899. The historic inn, Galveston’s first B&B, hosts indoor and outdoor functions for up to 125 delegates.

Three other popular historic venues were never homes but still transport visitors back to Galveston’s golden age. The Grand 1894 Opera House, designated as “the official Opera House of Texas,” can accommodate groups of up to 1,000 attendees and has a stage. Functions here have an intimate feel since no seat is more than 70 feet from the stage. Through the years, the Opera House has showcased performers including the Marx Brothers, Sarah Bernhardt, and Williams Jennings Bryan.

A recent restoration by the Galveston Historical Foundation is Custom House, a former federal building constructed in 1861. The oldest non-military federal building in the state, the former courtroom is available for receptions and luncheons of up to 120 attendees. For larger groups, the verandah and hallway can be added for as many as 250 at a seated dinner

One of Galveston’s most unique venues is the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, located adjacent to the Texas Seaport Museum. The pair can accommodate up to 500 for a standing reception or 300 for a seated dinner in a one of a kind atmosphere. Groups can wander along the decks of the tall ship, into the galley and officers’ quarters, or venture over to the museum, which contains information on the 133,000 immigrants who came through this port city and made it a southern version of Ellis Island.