The Museo Nacional de Antropologia protects an important collection of 50,000 ethnographic objects. The objects belong to sixty ethnographic groups. The collection continually expands as it is researched and reorganized, based on anthropological criteria. Mexico has an ethnic population of 100 million but only 8% are from indigenous groups. The Museo de Antropologia has the task of researching, conserving and presenting the heritage of the indigenous people. The collected objects, ordinary and ritual instruments, are significant of indigenous life. What we have learned is the necessity of creating exhibitions which allow long term care of objects by the use of stable and inert materials, correct illumination, and stable levels of humidity and temperature. After improving the exhibitions, the museum undertook the task to create efficient, new methods for storage which will help to preserve the cultural heritage for future generations. The museum has tried to emphasize the importance of preventive conservation instead of treatment of the objects, ensuring preservation of the heritage in the future. This paper will discuss three of the most significant aspects related to the collections and their care by this museum, including the issue of how the objects of ordinary use become museum objects and form a collection.