The museum’s holdings comprise collections of material culture that are representative of peoples from around the world, from Africa to Latin America, as well as different examples of living culture such as oral narratives, music and gastronomy. The Museu Etnològic's heritage is displayed in long- and short-term temporary exhibitions.

Barcelona’s Museu Etnològic presents Ethnic. From Different Cultures to Interculturality, a permanent exhibition showcasing its ethnographic heritage. Over 10,000 objects from its collections are being displayed for the first time in two major thematic areas: Origins and Peoples. The former is based on the concept of travel, exoticism and knowledge of cultural diversity, and provides visitors with an insight into the museum’s earliest collections. The pieces on display in the latter area are the starting point for the study and description of different societies situated in ten geographical regions around the world.