why Program Files(x86) is on 64 bit system

I have windows 7, 64 bits. On this system, there is Program Files(x86) folder, which is for 32 bit system. This folder contains information which is used by the system I am using. This is confusing. Why is there Program Files(x86) folder on a 64 bit system ? whats the purpose of providing Program Files (which I guess is for 64 bit system) and Program Files(x86) ?

Thanks