The best place to admire the Rotunda is on the second floor. In the ceiling center, it says: "That all men may know His work." which means “to make God’s deeds known to all people.” There is a Byzantine knot with no beginning nor end, symbolizing the diversity and unity.
Standing outside the Earth's Treasures Gallery, the branch on the far left represents Mediterranean culture. Above is the Egyptian mythical bird Bennu; in the middle is a horse-headed fish-tailed monster from Greek mythology; and below is a wolf nursing babies from Roman myth. The third floor of the museum has dedicated exhibitions for Egypt, Greece and Rome.
The far right branch represents Asia. Above is Lamassu, who defended temples and palaces in Assyrian mythology. It consists of a human head with Assyrian beards, hair and crowns, a lion's body, ox hooves, and eagle wings. In the middle is the Indian elephant and below is the Chinese dragon. Indian exhibits are placed in the South Asian area on the third floor, while Chinese exhibition occupy a large area on the first floor.
The nearby branch on the left is a bison. There is a biodiversity gallery on the second floor. In the middle is a totem of a Native American eagle, and below is a totem of the Inca creator god Huiracocha holding snakes in his hands. The American Gallery is on the third floor, and the totem is placed at the east entrance.
The near branch on the right represents Europe. Above is the flying lion of Saint Mark of Venice holding a book. In the middle is the fountain of the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Below is the winged griffin from Greek mythology. The Europe gallery is on the third floor.
The triangular patterns between each two branches are the Mayan Pyramids, the Temple of Athens, the legendary Babel Tower in Babylon and the Ishtar Gate.
The rotunda serves multiple purposes. It not only attracts people's attention, but also introduces the museum's collections.