HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

The Historic Brownsville Museum

The Historic Brownsville Museum is located at the old Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. Built in 1928, the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot is recognized as a Texas Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside the depot, the museum details the events that led to Brownsville's establishment and features temporary exhibits highlighting local history.

Your museum admission also includes the Simon Celaya Railroad Gallery and the Mary A. Yturria Education Center.

Simón Celaya Railroad Gallery

The newly renovated Simón Celaya Railroad Gallery is a dynamic space where visitors of all ages can learn, play, and explore through lively exhibits and hands-on interactives. The gallery highlights one of the museum’s most treasured artifacts—the 1872 Rio Grande Railroad locomotive. Surrounding displays spark curiosity through sound, motion, and touch, inviting children to discover how a steam engine works, test how a piston powers a locomotive’s wheels, or even predict whether a horse or a train would win a race. At every turn, young learners are encouraged to ask bold questions—“Why?” and “How?”—as they connect with the wonder of early rail travel.

Mary A. Yturria Education Center

The Mary A. Yturria Education Center was constructed behind the depot to provide the community with a venue for educational outreach, cultural programs, art/cultural exhibits, and various events. The Center hosts art exhibits throughout the year and is also available for rent for private events. Please CLICK HERE for pricing and more detailed information.