The Manav Vikas Sangrahalaya was established in January 2001 as a part of the Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute located in Jhunsi, Allahabad. This Museum aims at preserving and highlighting the folk cultures, local traditions and the heritage of marginalised people of our country. It is different from other archaeological museums as it portrays the living, vibrant and dynamic yet less celebrated aspects of our cultural traditions, particularly in UP and its neighbouring regions.

The display section of the Museum is an integral and complementary part of the research wing. The artefacts, dioramas, replicas and other visuals displayed here, focus on art and culture of different communities of our nation. The first gallery, Manav Vikas ki Katha, highlights the march of civilization since prehistoric time and a coherent history of the development of indigenous art and culture. The second gallery, GB Pant Gallery, showcases contributions of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant in the creation of a new India and his vision regarding the socio-economic development of Uttar Pradesh. This section also showcases the cultural history of Allahabad city. 

The third gallery, the Ganga River Culture Gallery, represents the socio-economic life and culture of communities on the banks of the river Ganga. This Gallery is funded by the Department of Culture, UP Government and the Government of India. The fourth gallery, i.e. Bidesia Gallery, documents shifting identities in the process of indentured migration during colonial times and their relationship to the folk culture of the homeland. It particularly focuses on Bhojpuri indentured labourers. This gallery is the outcome of an international research project based in three countries, namely The Netherlands, Suriname and India, funded by the Netherlands Cultural Fund, Prince Claus Fund and Mondrian, Amsterdam.

Display Policy
All the artefacts, dioramas, apparatus, models, instruments, paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, decorative arts, memorabilia, and audio-visual materials are displayed thematically in four different galleries. These form the permanent exhibition.

Acquisition Policy
All acquisitions at Manav Vikas Sangrahalaya are made by researchers of the Institute under different research projects. The Museum collects artefacts for its permanent collections in the form of apparatus, models, instruments, paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, decorative arts, memorabilia, audio-visual materials, written materials etc. Objects have been acquired from the field and private individuals in the form of gifts, donation, and exchanges with other repositories. Due to paucity of funds, the Museum is unable to expand or periodically change its exhibitions, or digitise the museum.