Founded in 1957, the museum collection includes objects from a wide range of cultures. Strengths include Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern art and artifacts as well as pieces from ancient Egypt and Byzantium.
The museum also houses European and American art from the fifteenth century to the present. Asian, African, Ancient Americas, and Oceanic cultures are well represented.
Exhibits from the permanent collection of more than 14,000 works are housed in five galleries. Showcased in three additional galleries are exhibitions based on the permanent collection or on loan from other institutions.