Over 500 of the most valuable objects in our collection dated from the 10th to the mid-19th centuries present the defining phenomena in European decorative art. The permanent exhibition includes examples of Medieval Limousin enamels, Italian majolica, Rhine stoneware, 16th century painted enamel from Limoges, German gold smithery from such centres as Augsburg and Nuremberg, 17th – 18th watch making, china from the most important and prolific workshops in Meissen, Berlin, Vienna and Sevres, and glass from Bohemia, Silesia, Dresden and Potsdam.

Due to limited space, French and Flemish tapestry weaving is represented by only a few specimens, and furniture is only represented by German and French carpentry.