The museum comprises the Birthplace Cottage and its garden, and the modern Elgar Centre, opened in 2000, which houses further exhibitions and a function room.

[1][2] Edward William Elgar, the fourth of their seven children, was born at The Firs on 2 June 1857, and lived here until his family moved to Worcester two years later.

[a][5] The museum houses a broad collection of Elgar memorabilia, including original music manuscripts; letters from and to Elgar, his friends and family;[6] proofs, programmes and other items connected with Elgar's music;[7] family photographs and scrapbooks; items connected with his travels and with his hobbies including golf and cycling;[8] personal possessions, awards and honours, and film of his later years.

Low visitor numbers and significant annual operating losses[9] saw the National Trust take over the administration of the museum in 2016.

[13] In 2018, the majority of the Elgar manuscript archive was moved from The Firs to the British Library, despite local opposition.