This museum has over 1500 architectural structures, sculptures, and inscriptions of historical importance, that have been retrieved in and around Hassan. This collection is showcased in a sculpture gallery and an open air museum.

Many important sculptures such as the dancing Shiva, Govardhanagiridhari Krishna, Veena Saraswati, Nataraja, dancing Ganesha, and elegant couchant Nandi are displayed in the open air museum. The sculptures of Nagna Kala Bhairava, Brahma-Saraswati, Mother and Child, wooden carvings and a bronze statue of a Tirthankara are among the important displays in the sculpture gallery. These master pieces represent Indian art at various exhibitions held at France, Japan and various other countries.