Art of the ancient world provides an introduction to the styles and subjects found in the art of the ancient Mediterranean and Middle East. The antiquities collection began with donations from Houston native Annette Finnigan in 1931. An avid traveler, businesswoman, suffragette, and art collector, she donated almost 200 works of ancient art to the Museum during her lifetime.

Since those early days, the collection has grown significantly to include more than 450 artworks and masterpieces, such as a Hellenistic Greek bronze head, an Egyptian coffin, and a Roman statue of Dionysus.