Museo Etnolúdico de Galicia
Ponteceso museum devoted to traditional Galician games and sports and to the history of the toy, with more than 4,000 items. Temporarily closed.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo Etnolúdico de Galicia (MELGA) opened in Ponteceso in 2013. It is a permanent institution dedicated to preserving, researching and disseminating Galician cultural heritage linked to traditional games, traditional sports and the history of the toy. It also includes objects from other regions of Spain and the world. It is run by the Fundación Ricardo Pérez y Verdes.
Its collection comes from the collector Ricardo Pérez y Verdes, a university lecturer and great promoter of traditional Galician games and sports, who, through his foundation, handed over to Ponteceso Town Council the objects he had gathered over more than thirty-five years of travel. It is displayed on the ground floor of the Centro Cultural de Ponteceso, a Modernist building with about 800 m² of exhibition space, an outdoor play area of 1,000 m² and a large car park.
Room 1 shows traditional games and sports from Galicia, from other regions of Spain and from around the world, with a gallery of Galician champions and a section dedicated to Eduardo Pondal. Room 2 traces, in chronological order, the evolution of games and sports from prehistory to the present day, including the ancient and modern Olympic Games.
Highlights
- More than 4,000 pieces from the Ricardo Pérez y Verdes collection
- Largest collection of traditional Galician toys
- Traditional games and sports of Galicia, Spain and the world
- Chronological route through play, from prehistory to today
- 1,000 m² outdoor play area, with a hands-on session included in admission
Permanent exhibitions
- Sala 1: juego y deporte tradicional gallego – Traditional games and sports of Galicia, Spain and the world, with a gallery of Galician champions and a section on Eduardo Pondal.
- Sala 2: historia del juego y del deporte – Chronological evolution of games and sports from prehistory to today, including the ancient and modern Olympic Games.
- Founded
- 2013
- Operated by
- Fundación Ricardo Pérez y Verdes
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50Retired people, students with the Carné Xove and children aged 5 to 14 |
| Children & teens | €1.50free up to age 4 · Aged 5 to 14: €1.50. Accompanied children under 5: free. |
| Seniors | €1.50Retired people: €1.50. |
| Students & apprentices | €1.50Students with the Carné Xove: €1.50. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €3 per personGuided visit for groups: €3 per person (groups of at least 15 people). For groups of 60 or more, please enquire. |
| MELGA friends' card and friends' card for other museums | €1 |
Rates published on the museum's website (2021 version). Free for accompanied children under 5, unemployed people with an unemployment card, and people registered in Ponteceso (with proof). Admission includes a hands-on session of traditional games and sports, outside or inside the museum.
Accessibility
The museum has been temporarily closed to the general public since 1 September 2026. The reopening date will be announced on its website and social media.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Admission includes a hands-on session of traditional games and sports. The museum also runs free workshops on modelling clay, origami and toy building.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The museum is on the ground floor of the Centro Cultural de Ponteceso, on Avenida de Bergantiños, in the heart of the Costa da Morte.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum has a 1,000 m² outdoor play area and a large car park for visitors.
Events & venue rental
The museum rents out traditional games and sports equipment and organises festivals, workshops and camps by arrangement.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided visits for groups (minimum 15 people; a waiting list applies if the number is not reached) are requested by phone or through the booking form on the website. The museum runs workshops on games, traditional sports and crafts. |
