Objects on display in the museum range in date from prehistoric to contemporary art works. Visitors can see ancient Egyptian mummies, Chinese porcelain created for the imperial court, Japanese woodblock prints and head-hunting swords from Borneo.

The museum is laid out geographically so visitors can focus on one area or range across whole continents. Activities for families spread throughout the museum including dressing up, colouring, games and puzzles alongside themed trails around the museum.

In addition to its permanent galleries, the museum hosts a regularly changing programme of special exhibitions related to the collections together with talks, art workshops and special evening events.