Otago University's multidisciplinary health and development study, also often called the Dunedin study, began in 1975, when university health researchers began studying a group of 1037 children born in Dunedin in 1972-73.
Participants have returned over the past four decades for assessments investigating aspects of health and development.
Museum curator Sean Brosnahan said the exhibition, titled "A Slice of Life'', focused on the study's continuing research in many fields, including health, education, social development and justice.
The study's "significant findings'' had changed thinking and laws in this country and across the globe, he said.
Museum visitor experience manager Kirsty Glengarry said visitors could discover some of the study's key scientific findings, and explore the social context of this age group through the decades.
The exhibition includes a 1970s-era lounge featuring elements of early childhood and primary school; a 1980s bedroom focusing on the teenage years; and a 1990s set that mimics a student flat.
Study founding director Phil Silva, who now lives in Christchurch, said the "fantastic'' exhibition enabled study organisers to show their gratitude for continuing support from study participants.
Study director Richie Poulton was "blown away'' by the attention to detail in the "amazing'' exhibition.
Study cohort and assessment manager Sean Hogan said that as study participants reached 45 next year, study organisers would be calling them back from around the world, for a full day of clinical testing.
