The Minister for Education, Culture and Sport visits new headquarters of the Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago

In statements to the press the Minister for Education, Culture and Sport pointed out that the Museum of Pilgrimage provides a magnificent side event for those wishing to visit". "Apart from walking St James' Way, one should see just what this route has meant for the history of Spain and Europe, and as such I encourage everyone to come and visit the museum".

For Íñigo Méndez de Vigo the Museum of Pilgrimage "is the fulfilment of a dream" and for him takes on a "special significance". He explained that he used to work with Marcelino Oreja when this politician was Secretary General for the Council of Europe and the St. James' Way was named as the First European Cultural Route. "To see just what this route means today to so many people and pilgrims from around the world is very emotive".

This Museum, which falls under the umbrella of the State but is managed by the Regional Government of Galicia, opened its new headquarters last weekend in the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela, in what used to be the Bank of Spain building, which has been refurbished to house this new museography. With these works the museum has increase its floor area by 52%, while keeping the Casa Gótica as its administrative and management centre and the Praterias headquarters to be used for exhibitions.

Through these works, which called for an investment exceeding 5.5 million euros, which was provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, the Regional Government of Galicia and the Santiago de Compostela Consortium, the Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago reveals to its visitors through its collections the phenomenon of universal pilgrimage and the St. James' Way in particular.

Attractive exhibits to appeal to all tastes

The wide variety of objects displayed in the various collections housed in the Museum includes archaeological, artistic and ethnic pieces which all share the common theme of pilgrimages. They include sculptures, paintings, engravings, fine art in general (jet, silverware, fabrics and medals) archaeological pieces and coins, as well as a wealth of documents and reference material.

To the permanent collection, made up of those assets from Spanish historical heritage belonging to the State collected between 1951 and 1995, can be added certain items acquired by the Regional Government of Galicia through various channels: purchases, loans and donations. Its inclusion in the museography discourse has been possible in accordance with the new criteria and aims of the museography of these new headquarters. At the same time, the recent proliferation of archaeological sites in the city and outskirts of Santiago de Compostela has significantly increased the number of archaeological artefacts included in the museum.

Today the museum houses collections of great interest when it comes to finding out about the history of Santiago de Compostela and other important areas.

The contents are displayed in an entertaining, interesting and attractive way for a wide ranging public, in terms of age, origin and educational background; for professionals, families and students, as well as disabled visitors for whom specific facilities have been provided.