The museum was founded in 1888 and is the oldest museum of this kind in Poland. It collects exhibits on folk culture - both from Poland and from all around the world. Now it owns nearly 80,000 objects. Regular exhibitions visitors allow visitors to get to know cultures of Africa, Australia, Oceania and America, as well as become familiar with some aspects of Polish culture, such as customs or traditions and material culture. In addition, the Museum organizes exhibitions and promotes scientific publications.