The museum opened its doors in 1968, and holdings now encompass more then 26,000 objects, including ethnographic pieces from all Alaska Native cultures, state and local historical pieces dating back to the Russian-American period, and artwork depicting Alaska and the circumpolar North since the 18th century.
Museum grounds include a sculpture garden with art by local and international artists.
More than 20 exhibitions on the art, history and cultures of Alaska are presented each year.