The Military History Museum is in a building on part of the site of the old convent of Saint Francis. During the 19th and 20th centuries, before hosting the current collection, the building served as an ammunition storehouse, prison, Civil Guard barracks and artillery headquarters. The museum dates back to 1858, when a small collection of models, carriages and various weapons from the Carlist Wars was assembled in the now abandoned Park and Artillery Training Centre of A Coruña. The institution gradually increased its resources with the incorporation of new pieces, especially after the Civil War. In 1988, it was awarded the status of Regional Military Museum and later moved to its current location, opening in 1992.
The permanent exhibition has around 1,700 pieces, covering a wide period from the 18th century to the present day. It includes models of fortifications and ships, recreations of historical battles, uniforms, and a huge repertoire of historical weaponry. Some of its most outstanding objects are the 18th century clockwork of the Palace of the General Captaincy, the knife of the guerrilla fighter Foucellas and a copy of the German cipher machine Enigma.