Its collections are broad in scope and include prehistoric and ethnic textiles and costumes as well as contemporary high fashions and high-tech textiles. The museum's gallery was established in 1992 with a grant from the Louisiana State Board of Regents and is the only gallery of its kind in the state. As Louisiana's preeminent institution for the preservation, collection, and research of textile artifacts, the museum preserves a vital part of history and promotes the understanding and enjoyment of diverse textile traditions. Research includes studies of the technical, aesthetic, historic, and sociocultural significance of textiles and apparel.
Exhibitions interpret the findings of such research to students and public alike.