Its collection includes contemporary and historic artefacts, as well as replicas of objects in foreign institutions.

A purpose-built museum building was opened on 14 October 1992, in order to protect and encourage understanding of the cultural heritage of the Cook Islands.

[14][15] Similar objects, which remain the property of the museum, were excavated in 2003 from the motu Te Kainga of Rakahanga.

[2] In 2020 the museum investigated whether it would be able to acquire a newly discovered sketch of Mangaia, painted by Captain Cook's surgeon.

[24] Many museums around the world have collections which hold objects from the Cook Islands, including: tapa cloth held by Kew Gardens;[25][26] adzes and tattooing instruments at the Wellcome Collection;[20] many objects, including a cloak at Te Papa;[27] amongst others.