Prehistory: The oldest evidence of human activity in Puebla dates back to around 7000 BCE in the Tehuacán Valley. From this period, we have stone tools such as axes, scrapers, and knives crafted by early inhabitants to hunt and gather herbs and wild fruits to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing. Among the archaeological remains, visitors can see ixtle fiber cords, avocado seeds, amaranth branches, and early corn cobs from "teozintle", the first variety of maize cultivated by humans in the Americas.

Pre-Hispanic Period: The geography and climate of the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley have supported human life since ancient times. During the Formative Horizon (200 BCE–200 CE), the region saw a significant increase in human settlement, with societies sustained by agriculture. The close relationship with nature and material progress gave rise to a distinctive worldview shaped by magical beliefs. An example of this is the burial of the dead adorned with greenstone jewelry and placed within a “magical enclosure.”
High culture flourished in the Puebla Valley during the Classic Horizon (200–900 CE), with Cholula emerging as the most important city of the time—a sacred center that attracted a rich diversity of cultures. A key example from this period is the Fine Orange pottery, produced in the Ixcaquixtla region in southern Puebla. This ceramic was among the most prized trade goods in Mesoamerica.
The museum features an excellent collection of polychrome "codex-style" ceramics made by Cholulan potters during the Postclassic Horizon (900–1521 CE). During this time, the Mexica Empire came to dominate much of Mesoamerica, and evidence of their influence can be found throughout Puebla. One striking example is a modeled clay sculpture of "Xipe Tótec", god of spring, recovered from excavations at Tepexi el Viejo. This piece reveals Mexica influence in the Mixtec region during the final years of the pre-Hispanic era.

The Conquest of Mexico: The "Lienzo de Tlaxcala" (Tlaxcala Canvas) illustrates the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the Puebla-Tlaxcala valley. The cultural transformation of this era is reflected in several sculptural pieces, such as a feather-covered dog from Tepeaca and a baptismal font from Tecamachalco. These pieces show how Indigenous artisans interpreted the religion and ideas imposed by the conquerors.

Colonial Period: During the Viceroyalty, Puebla became a leading agricultural and industrial region. From its foundation, it was home to major industries such as textiles, glassmaking, soap production, carpentry, blacksmithing, masonry, cabinetry, tanning, leatherwork, silversmithing, and ceramics.
The museum showcases a wide variety of "Talavera poblana" pottery, carved and polychrome wood sculptures, and colonial paintings. Most of these works come from religious contexts, as Puebla was known as a deeply devout city during the colonial period.

The Independence Period: This era was marked by social unrest and political upheaval. During the 19th century, Puebla endured ten military sieges and numerous social conflicts. The museum displays cannons, weapons, and military uniforms from these turbulent years.

The Porfirian Era: From the period of President Porfirio Díaz (1876–1911), the museum exhibits a luxurious carriage and elegant clothing that reflect the opulence of the privileged classes of the time. There are also military helmets, hats, weapons, and various personal items from the era.

The Mexican Revolution: Puebla played a vital role in the political and social transformation of 20th-century Mexico. The museum displays books, pamphlets, and photographs that evoke the revolutionary spirit culminating in the heroic actions of the Serdán brothers. Their uprising in November 1910 marked the beginning of the Mexican Revolution, a movement that laid the foundation for modern Mexico.

Regional Technology of Puebla: Modern Mexico is a multicultural mosaic where rural communities play a fundamental role. The museum features an extensive collection of tools and utensils used by farming communities across Puebla. Visitors can see coffee processing machinery from the Sierra Norte, beekeeping equipment, ceramic production tools, and pulque harvesting instruments, all representing diverse regions of the state.
Other highlights include examples of ixtle and palm weaving, cabinetry, blacksmithing, tanning, and fur processing. This collection illustrates technologies of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern origin—both local and external.

Everyday Life: The museum offers an intimate look at culture as a human creation developed for survival and social continuity. Alongside masterpieces of human creativity, everyday objects are displayed as vital elements that connect us to nature and cultural identity. This section includes furniture, clothing, toys, medicines, and school supplies—symbols of daily life and popular culture.

Dance Traditions Across the State: Dance is a powerful cultural expression. While it can serve as entertainment or art, it also plays an important ritual role. The museum presents a collection of costumes and masks that reflect Puebla’s cultural diversity and artistic richness. Examples include the "Danza de los Voladores" from the Sierra Norte, "Tecuanes" dances from the south, and "Negritos" and "Huehues" dances from the central region, among others.

The Life Cycle: Culture, a defining trait of humanity, is marked by the different stages of life. The museum concludes its tour with a colorful collection of paper, cloth, wax, and plastic ornaments that celebrate the human life cycle—from birth and marriage to death. This moving collection comes from the town of San Gabriel Chilac in southern Puebla and serves as a fitting conclusion to the museum’s journey through time and tradition.