The museum, open April to November, is part of the Abegg Foundation, started in 1961 by Werner and Margaret Abegg for the study and conservation of historic textile fabrics. It runs courses in the conservation of textiles, and has an extensive library. The museum shows textiles from the 4th to 18th centuries and other works of art from Europe, the Near East and regions along the Silk Road. It includes large wall hangings from Egypt in late antiquity, and Central Asian weavings of the eighth and ninth century. There are also bronzes and ceramics from the Ancient Near East.