The Museum of Galician People was created in 1976 with the objectives of research and the preservation, dissemination, defence and promotion of Galician culture in all areas, and, specifically, to create and develop a museum at the service of these goals. The first rooms were opened in 1977 in the former convent of San Domingos de Bonaval which was donated by the city of Santiago de Compostela.
The Xunta de Galicia, understanding that the Museum of Galician People would be considered as the spiritual and symbolic head of the anthropological museum network of Galicia, accepted by Decree 111/1993 of May 22 that it would act as the competent central body to combine all museums and public and private collections in the integrated network of Galician museums dedicated to the study, promotion and dissemination of the anthropological heritage of Galicia.
The support of the Museum is guaranteed by financial and material contributions (donations and deposits) from its patrons and partners, and the sponsorship of various public and private institutions..
