carneiro started researching the popular cults of african descent in brazil in 1933 and is widely considered to be one of brazil's most relevant researchers of popular culture.

the museum endeavours to record, preserve and display items that portray traditional brazilian popular culture in order to better understand, and to disseminate information about it to the general public.  

the collection consists of 14,000 items - 1,400 of which are on display in the museum's permanent exhibition and the remainder of which are kept in stores, available for consultation. the permanent display is organized around various brazilian-focused themes including life, technology, religion, festivals and art.