Shortly after the beginning of World War II, the most valuable mobile art treasures were secreted away in the 900 square metre historic art shelter, a system of vaults within the castle hill. Although building materials were scarce, problems with dampness and air-conditioning could be solved. 24 metres of rock protected the works of art against air raids. Only the most valuable treasures were stored here, such as for example the globe by Martin Behaim, the Imperial Crown Jewels, copperplate engravings by Albrecht Dürer, the Annunciation by Veit Stoß and the "Männleinlaufen" clockwork.The original fixtures for storing these works can still be seen today.
