The collection includes paintings with an emphasis on ecclesiastical and historical art, and works of portraiture. The stained glass on display here constitutes the world’s largest and most important collection.

The museum boasts a superb collection of medieval woodcarvings and altarpieces. The collection is representative of the extant examples of medieval sculpture from the territory of contemporary Switzerland, and is thus of international significance.

The collection includes wall paintings and frescoes. Of particular interest are the Carolingian frescoes from Müstair, the frescoes of Ferdinand Hodler in the National Museum Zurich’s hall of fame, and wall paintings by Hans Erni. There is an important collection of Romanesque frescoes from various types of buildings.