The collection of art from different times and cultures is a way for RISD students to study from masters and other artists. Over the course of the exhibition, talks will be presented on subjects ranging from furniture-making to egg tempera and panel painting. Henry noted that the Biennial, as well as the graduate students shows at the end of each year, are opportunities for the museum exhibits to mirror the work that goes on inside the classroom. RISD undergraduate students also have the opportunity to show their work in the museum galleries. In addition to showcasing artistic creations, the museum becomes a learning tool that can enhance RISD students' educational process.
Students gain access to the museum's entire collection in several ways.
They may enter storage with a specific class, or, as Henry emphasized, use the museum independently with the help of a Mellon grant. Several classes meet in the museum regularly, examining concrete objects to further their understanding of a subject. Henry noted classes that focus on apparel design make frequent use of the museum's collections, studying costumes from different eras and locations. Henry suggested that the museum may serve as an educational model for those students interested in pursuing museum work as a career. In the past, the museum held a series on the similarities and differences of how artists were trained 100 years ago, compared to today.