Peterborough Museum holds unique collections that reflect the rich history of the region. The collections cover many subjects, some are of national and international importance. There are Roman finds and exhibitions covering the social history of the area. The Natural History collections include butterflies and moths, stuffed animals, rocks, minerals and fossils and more. This includes the fossil remains of locally found marine reptiles (underwater dinosaurs) from the Jurassic period and the world´s most complete specimen of a plesiosaur.

There is also a collection of objects crafted by prisoners of war taken captive during the Napoleonic Wars 1797 and 1815. The prisoners were held at what is now the Norman Cross Art Gallery. The display consists of objects of carved bone and ivory, including model ships.

A large collection of archives is also held which include books, journals, maps and photographs, items relevant to the local history. Among these items is the collection of original manuscripts of the 19thC poet John Clare (the Peasant Poet). The manuscripts are available for study by prior arrangement with the museum.

Events and temporary exhibitions take place throughout the year, including the Peterborough Ghost Walks, the Candlelit Tour of Peterborough Musuem and Crime and Punishment .