the collection on view, much of which is from the northeast, comprises afro-brazilian items, photographs, ceramic figurines, popular art, recorded testimonies and ritual garments such as candomblé costumes and religious costumes used in festivals.

the museum also houses temporary exhibitions, generally lasting three to five months, which are dedicated to topics relating to contemporary popular culture. from time to time, these temporary exhibitions also include items from the reserve collection.

lastly the museum has an exhibition room which was created in 1983 and puts on display the works of contemporary popular artists from different states around brazil.