Galleries display fine and decorative arts, costume, local history, archaeology and natural science collections.

There is a Second World War aircraft on permanent display, a Supermarine Spitfire whose earlier Marks were designed by R. J. Mitchell who came from nearby Butt Lane.

[citation needed] Redevelopment of the Saxon part to this gallery in the latter half of 2010 has set the Hoard within a more tangible context, using existing pieces from the museum's collection of Staffordshire archaeology.

[6] It included information on people from the area who died in the sinking and archive footage of Captain Edward Smith who was born in Hanley.

[6] On 28 February 2017, the Leekfrith torcs, believed to be the oldest Iron Age gold jewellery found in Britain, were unveiled to the public for the first time, at the museum.