The collection consists of gold and precious objects, medieval bronzes, majolica, faiences, stoneware, porcelain, glassware and utensils made of base metals.

More than 10,000 objects from the early Middle Ages to the end of the pre-industrial age document the decorative arts of both ecclesiastical and private life.

In addition to medieval treasury art and one of the largest collections of aquamanilia worldwide, the department has an extensive collection of silver from German-speaking regions, as well as faience, mostly from southern Germany, and cut glass from Nuremberg.