In a few words: it contains one the most important collections in the world of European painting between XIII and XVIII cen. and pioneered the concept of a museum collection.

That meant a systematic search and display of European art in terms of chronology and geography, rather than displaying a royal collection.

Starting with the acquisition of the valuable Italian Giustiniani Collection and later enhanced by the purchase of the Edward Solly’s Collection, this Museum is constantly being enriched by shrewd acquisitions.

It is now renowned as having one of the finest and most comprehensive collections in the world of Italian and Flemish paintings. Almost every artist of importance is to be admired here.