The Pedro Barrié de la Maza Foundation is a private non-profit making organization set up to further the development of Galicia in a global perspective. It was set up in 1966 by Pedro Barrié de la Maza and since then the Foundation has worked mainly in the areas of research, culture, education and social development. It is aimed to design initiatives and projects responding to social needs and paving the way for other public and private organizations.

It was one of the main objectives of the Foundation to have a permanent centre in Vigo as it is the most populated city in Galicia and also the city with a long-standing industrial tradition. It thus aspires to continue offering its service to all the Galician people in close collaboration with the Banco Pastor.

In Vigo the Foundation and its Institute for Economic Studies organizes a wide array of excellent exhibitions, concerts and conferences. Other activities involve publications, scholarships and grants for social aid, research and culture.

The Foundation Building was designed by the Vigo architect Manuel Goméz Román (1876 - 1964) and it was his most ambitious work. It was built between 1919 and 1923 and was the headquarters of the Bank of Vigo. In 1928 it was acquired by Banco Pastor and was officially opened by the Foundation on the 28 of October 2005.

The centre in Vigo is a great addition to the Foundation’s range of activities. It is located in one of the city’s historical buildings which is now modern and well-equipped. At last it brings all the Foundation’s services to the south of Galicia in the areas of education, research, culture and social services.