Schnütgen Museum

This major collection of European medieval art was donated to the city in 1906 by Alexander Schnütgen (1843-1918), the canon of the cathedral. The Schnütgen museum is housed within the evocative surroundings of the Romanesque basilica of St Cecilia. Themed around the interplay of art and its surroundings, the collection showcases an array of religious art from the early Middle Ages to the baroque. These internationally acclaimed masterpieces span a period of 1,000 years. Here are just some of the items on display: ivory carvings, goldsmith work, wood and stone sculptures, bronze and silver art treasures, church furnishings, stained glass, manuscripts and fabrics – including liturgical robes and cloths from late antiquity to the 20th century. The city's proud display of ecclesiastical art from the Middle Ages represents one of the most important medieval collections in the world. Closed on Mondays.