The Museum opened to the public in 1953 and has gained national and international recognition as the home to the world’s largest collection of international folk art..

Home to the international folk art collection of Architect & Designer Alexander Girard, donor and designer of the exhibition Multiple Visions: A Common Bond, showcases folk art, popular art, toys and textiles from more than 100 nations on six continents. There are no labels in this unorthodox exhibition, visitors can use a printed Gallery Guide, tour with a docent, or use a handheld Multimedia tour with 3 different themes for 20, 30 or 45 minutes, the entire multimedia tour is 60 minutes.

The Bartlett Wing, named in honor of museum founder Florence Dibell Bartlett, offers rotating exhibitions based on the museum collections and recent field work studies of specific cultures or art forms. Exhibitions in this wing have ranged from Turkish, Tibetan and Swedish traditions to New Deal era art in New Mexico, recycled objects and more.

The Neutrogena Wing encompasses the Cotsen Gallery and Lloyd’s Treasure Chest. The gallery features textiles from the museum’s renowned collection which includes the Neutrogena Collection, a gift to the museum from Lloyd Cotsen and the Neutrogena Corporation in 1995. The Hispanic Heritage Wing is devoted to the art and heritage of Hispanic/Latino cultures.