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, Romanesque frescoes from various types of buildings and wall paintings by Hans Erni. On display are the frescoes of Ferdinand Hodler in the National Museum Zurich’s hall of fame.