Hunting Collection

The hunting collection occupies 12 rooms, arranged by subject. Its historical section traces hunting from its role as a source of food for prehistoric people through later developments. The weapons include firearms, edged weapons, crossbows and simple poaching implements; ammunition and its production are treated separately. The display concerns both the construction of equipment and changing ways of pursuing game.

Falconry is represented by mounted birds of prey and equipment used to train them. The section on dogs presents breeds developed for different hunting tasks. Fishing is illustrated with fish specimens and historical fishing equipment. In the art section, hunting motifs appear on objects made from horn, antler, metal, wood, leather and ceramics.

Four habitat dioramas depict forest, water, lowlands and high mountains, with their characteristic animals and birds. This change of scale moves the display from an individual weapon or tool to the wider environment in which animals live. The collection therefore covers hunting practices, functional objects and natural habitats, rather than presenting only a succession of trophies.