The Erkel Ferenc Museum in Gyula is an affiliate of the Békés County Museum Organization. It was established in 1868, and so one of the three oldest museums in Hungary. During its 142-years of existence, the museum acquired a rich selection of museum pieces.

The richest of the collections is the archaeological collection that includes 30000 finds. The ethnographic collection consists of nearly 10000 items whereas the visual- and applied art collections are also of great value. The basis on researches on local history is a selection of 2000 items. The Erkel Ferenc Collection with items related to the composer of the Hungarian national anthem is special interest. The number of Erkel autograph sheet music, as well as the three-piece Erkel Golden Wreath weighing 525 gr., made of 14 carat gold is invaluable.

The Sík Collection is an independent collection, presenting selected items from the heritage of Ferenc Sík, the late art manager of the Castle Theatre. The Gypsy Collection and Archives is also of special interest, consisting of the gypsy researcher, Kamill Erdős's heritage. The collection and the archives provide data and documents for researchers of Gypsies hard to get hold of. Beginning in the 1950s, the museum started collecting material related to the Romanian minority, which is an organic part of the Békés County Romanian Base Museum.

The museum also has additional collections of documents, audio material and photos. The audio recordings in the museum archives are invaluable for researchers of ethnography, linguistics, as well as folk poetry and music. The recordings are of Hungarian, Romanian, and Gypsy folk tradition or beliefs.

The institute's publications are to present various collections. The 13th Issue of the Gyula Catalogue series was published in 2008.

The museum pays special attention to keeping excellent relations with the Erkel Ferenc Museum Circle of Friends.