Mission Statement

It is the purpose of the Museum of the Gulf Coast as mandated by the Port Arthur Historical Society to “collect, preserve, display and interpret the heritage of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana" - that regional area defined as being bordered by Houston at its western boundary and New Orleans at its eastern boundary.

Museum History

As early as 1959, the Gates Memorial Library had acquired important historical items, including the first American flag to fly over Port Arthur.  The need for a Museum was evident to many people.  In 1964, the State of Texas chartered the Port Arthur Museum.  This Museum, however, did not have a home.

In 1970, the Port Arthur Historical Society was formed and acquired the Pompeiian Villa on Lakeshore Drive.  The Museum soon outgrew its window and was moved to the Merchant’s National Bank. In 1980, it was relocated again to a wing of the Gates Memorial Library, but that space quickly filled as well.

In 1987, the Board of Directors adopted a plan to broaden the scope of the Museum to encompass the entire Gulf Coast region. By 1990, the Society had acquired the present Museum building.  Built in 1963, it had formerly served as the First National Bank.  Permanent Exhibits occupy the first two floors, The Museum houses its collections in the bank’s formidable vaults. Between 1991 and 1994, the bank was renovated and Southwest Museum Services began installing exhibits. The Museum of the Gulf Coast opened its doors on July 2, 1994.​

Today

In 2021, the Museum celebrated its 27th Anniversary, the Society’s 57th, and its 350,000+ visitors.  The Museum of the Gulf Coast is currently staffed by four employees and many volunteers.

With an increasing emphasis on educational outreach, the Museum hosts thousands of children for school tours, programs, and a summer camp focusing on environmental stewardship.  The Museum also offers “Family Fun Days."  In addition, the Museum serves as a resource for archival documents and photographs for academic researchers as well as local, national, and international media (link to collections).

Scope of Exhibits

The Museum’s 39,000 square foot facility contains many exhibits which capture the essence of life along the Upper Gulf Coast. Visitors marvel at the 125-foot mural depicting the area's history from the prehistoric era to the discovery of oil at Spindletop. 

The Hall of Fame galleries highlight local musicians, athletes, and notable people who have achieved national or international recognition such as Janis Joplin, the Big Bopper, Jimmy Johnson, Karen Silkwood, actress Evelyn Keyes, and artist Robert Rauschenberg.  The museum also includes a wide variety of temporary exhibitions in the Dunn Gallery.

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