The aim of the exhibitions of the Craft Museum of Finland is to create experiences and to convey and increase knowledge of phenomena from different perspectives of craftsmanship. The museum's exhibitions present crafts as a profession, art and hobby.

In addition to its own collections, the museum presents the collections of other museums, institutions and individuals. The museum exhibits traditional crafts and contemporary products, old and new. In addition to national exhibitions, the museum regularly hosts international exhibitions.

The Imperial Senate ordered on 14th December 1888, that an allowance be granted for the operation of a handicraft museum beginning in 1890.The resulting museum operated under the Society of Industrial Art and was located at the Museum of Art and Design (operating today as the Design Museum).