The works here display the origins of the current museum, which were generously contributed by the Albani family (especially Pope Clement XI and Cardinal Annibale nephew).

The family's patronage includes the presence of gold, silver and porcelain from the best Italian and European workshops; objects which are significant examples of seventeenth century culture. One such piece is the Reliquario della Santa Croce, 1703, in which the virtuosity of the workmanship gives voice to the expressiveness of the large sculpture. The fine white porcelain from the altar service (1736-1740) was created by Meissen of Germany. Here each element bears the heraldic emblem of the Albani family: three hills and a star.