It was designed to "give a comprehensive picture of the Dutch Indies in their present prosperous condition.

[1]: 22 There were displays including companies, foreign states and areas within the Dutch East Indies.

One area of the grounds had pavilions dedicated to cocoa, coffee, kapok, and tea.

The Aceh state pavilion was built in Acehnese style, without nails.

[4] After the exposition, it was dismounted and re-erected as the Aceh Museum, where it and the Cakra Donya Bell also displayed remain.