Tianshui City Museum holds a well-regarded collection of painted pottery from the Yangshao and Majiayao neolithic cultures, along with bronzeware and other artefacts spanning the Zhou and Han periods. The neolithic material is the highlight — the range and quality of the painted vessels is considerable, and the museum's presentation contextualises the different cultural phases clearly enough to make sense of them even without specialist knowledge.
The bronzeware section includes chariot fittings and ceremonial vessels from the Western Zhou period that reflect Tianshui's importance as a major centre on the Wei River during the early historical period. Admission to the museum is free, which makes it one of the better free cultural institutions in Gansu. The building itself is modern and the displays are well-lit.