The museum shows the history of Duisburg from the early Middle Ages to modern times and the folklore of the Lower Rhine. It is home to the Mercator collection and exhibits from the city's cultural history. The museum is located between Burgplatz and the inner harbour, right next to the old city wall. When Duisburg became the "bread basket of the Ruhr region" in the 20th century, the building was part of an old flour mill.