The first-floor galleries feature exhibits from the extensive permanent collection--objects that were part of the daily life of people from five continents as early as the seventh millennium B.C. They include Bronze and Iron Age clay pots, jugs, loom weights, and oil lamps from Palestine; Egyptian mummies, pottery, cosmetic containers, and headrests; Greek and Cypriot pottery, flasks, and statuary; and Mesopotamian pottery, coins, tools, sculpture, and cuneiform tablets inscribed with ancient writing. Also on this level: the Thibadeau Pre-Columbian collection, comprising over 1,300 objects spanning 2,000 years of creativity--gold jewelry, pottery, and statues, including many ceramic, volcanic stone, greenstone, and gold sculptures from ancient Costa Rica.

The upper floor is used for changing exhibits ranging in subject matter from Pueblo Indian pottery to impressionist art. Throughout the museum, 210 plaster casts of ancient architectural elements--reliefs, friezes, column capitals, and decorative elements from temples and monuments--adorn hallway and lobby walls. Allow about at least an hour to see the collections.

There are many interesting workshops, lectures, films, and gallery tours here; call to find out what's on during your stay. There's also a nice museum shop with a variety of educational books and gifts, as well as jewelry inspired by the collections. The museum's cafe, on the third floor, serves continental breakfast, lunch, coffee, and tea, and is open during regular museum hours.