Although the Ancient Art collection is relatively small, it contains a number of rare works of high quality and importance that form the basis of an introduction to the art of the ancient Mediterranean from Egypt, to the Near East, Greece, and Rome. They provide, in a coherent, aesthetically pleasing manner, splendid examples of the art of early civilizations. The ancient art holding also lays the foundation for the understanding of Western art and the procession of cultures through the ages.

The ancient art objects on view at the Legion feature a wide gamut of sculpture, statues, figurines, vessels, vases, jewelry, and carved reliefs, made of diverse materials, such as marble and other stones, bronze, gold, terracotta, wood, and glass.