SKN Heritage Museum is showing the type of belongings brought by African-Caribbean immigrants in the 1940s and 50s.
The Windrush generation responded to adverts to work in Britain but were only allowed to bring one suitcase.
Organisers said the display gives a unique insight into important part of Nottingham's history.
The Windrush was named after the first boat which brought people from the Caribbean to Britain in 1948.
The exhibition, called 'From Caribbean Isles to the British Isles -Home to Home', aims to give an insight into people who travelled across the Atlantic to seek a better life in what was still the Empire's "mother country".
Item include photographs, clothes, records and games - as well as beauty products designed for black skin and hair when none were commercially available.
Catherine Ross, the museum's founder, cameto Nottingham from St Kitts when she was just seven years old.
She said: "Our aim is to let everyone know about the contributions that Caribbeans have made to British society and Nottingham and commemorate these achievements.
"There'sno better place tostart than Nottingham Carnival, as it's such awell known and celebratory event in Nottingham's calendar."
The carnival is taking place for the first time take in two sites - the Forest Recreation Ground on Saturday and the Victoria Embankment on Sunday.

The 40-year-old sliced his fingers open when he tried to grab a drone camera, which was taking pictures of the audience, at a concert on Saturday.
Following reconstructive surgery on Monday, it was announced he would need several weeks to recover.
"The damage ended up being a bit worse than initially assessed," said a statement on the star's website.
"He suffered a fracture that needed to be corrected in addition to the reconstructive surgery.
"He will be recovering during the next few weeks, but a full recovery is anticipated."
Iglesias was performing in Tijuana, Mexico when he reached for the drone, apparently in an attempt to give fans a point-of-view shot from the stage.
He was "semi-treated" at the side of the stage to stop the bleeding, and was advised to end the show.
However, he performed for another 30 minutes before seeking further treatment.
"He was rushed to the airport where an ambulance met him," said a representative on Instagram. "He was then put on a plane to LA... to see a specialist."
Afterwards, fans posted photos and video on social media, showing the singer's bandaged hand and blood-covered T-shirt.
They also scribbled get well messages on their own hands and sent pictures to Iglesias via Twitter and Instagram.
Iglesias is one of the highest-selling Latin musicians of all time, shifting more than 137 million albums worldwide.
His UK hits include Bailamos, Hero and I'm A Freak.
The singer is expected to resume his tour on 3 July in Mexico City.
A unique perspective on a landmark social event is to be unveiled as part of Nottingham's Caribbean Carnival.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
Enrique Iglesias's hand injuries are worse than expected, his spokesperson has said.