Museum of The Gulf Coast

Where pre-history and pop culture meet.

What do Janis Joplin and a 13.5-foot alligator have in common? They both hail from southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana, and their stories live on inside the captivating Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur. Explore the 39,000-square-foot, two-story museum for a fascinating look at the history, ecology, and culture of this vibrant part of the Lone Star State.

Permanent Exhibits

The museum's permanent exhibits range from the prehistoric era to the present day, a span of time that consists of tales of Native Americans and European explorers and the boom-town times of the Spindletop oil discovery. In addition to showcasing the region's history, the museum shines a spotlight on the area's maritime past, how the Civil War affected the region, and the geology and wildlife found here.

Significant items in its 35,000-strong collection include artwork by National Medal of Arts winner Robert Rauschenberg, a record-setting fiberglass race car, a 125-foot historical mural, and a reproduction of Joplin's famous psychedelic Porsche.

The Halls of Fame

This latter piece is located on the second floor, inside the museum's Music Hall of Fame. More than 80 music legends are now featured, including George Jones, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, Edgar Winter, and Clay Walker. The Notable People Hall of Fame highlights the lives of politicians, actors, soldiers, inventors, and other locals who made their mark on the world, like Gone with the Wind actress Evelyn Keyes and Port Arthur founder Arthur Stilwell. Sports fans can find out about the backgrounds of their favorite athletes inside Port Arthur's own Sports Hall of Fame, where stars like Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles and former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson are recognized. The museum has also added a fourth gallery, the Legacy Hall of Fame, joining Music, Sports, and Notable People — together the four halls now recognize more than 230 people from the Gulf Coast region.

The Pompeiian Villa

Just across the street from the museum stands the Pompeiian Villa, a historic house built in 1900 for Isaac Ellwood and designed to evoke the villas of ancient Pompeii. It's an official companion site to the museum and well worth a look — though at the moment, it's closed for renovations, so call ahead (409-982-7000) before planning a visit around it.

Temporary Exhibits and Programs

In addition to its permanent displays, the museum showcases on-loan pieces from around the country. The current temporary exhibit, The Spirit of the Golden Triangle, runs from July 1 through October 2026 in the Dunn Gallery and traces the people, industries, and communities — from Dutch settlers and Cajun families to railroad and refinery workers — who built Southeast Texas into an economic powerhouse. The museum also holds special events like Family Fun Days, a Teen Troupe program, and summer youth programs. School (and other) groups can take advantage of unique experiences offered by the museum, such as Make the Connection, a collection of five immersive activities ideal for studying 19th-century pioneer life, southeast Texas paleontology, sea life, museum curation, and photography. Music fans can also tune in to the museum's own streaming radio station, which plays music from its Hall of Fame musicians and more.

Visiting the Museum

While you're here, be sure to check out the Port Arthur museum's gift shop for Janis Joplin t-shirts, Rauschenberg posters, Christmas ornaments, and other goodies.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays and holidays). Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (62+), $3 for children ages 4–18 (free for children under 4), and $4 for college students with a valid ID. Group tours of 10 or more are $4 for adults and $3 for children, and school tours for grades 3–12 and college groups are free. The museum is located at 700 Procter Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640, and is administered by the Port Arthur Historical Society in partnership with the City of Port Arthur.

Discover the rich history and heritage of Southeast Texas at the Museum of the Gulf Coast.