The neo-classical building in Königsplatz with Corinthian columns was established in 1848 as a counterpart to the Glyptothek opposite, and commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria.

The museum building was severely damaged by bombing in World War II but was reconstructed and reopened to the public in the late 1960s to display the State Collection of Antiques.

The king also acquired antique gold jewellery from the collection of Caroline Murat, Etruscan bronzes excavated in Perugia and Greek terracotta work from South Italy.

These comprehensive collections specialised in smaller antique objects, glassware, bronzes, terracotta pieces, jewelry, gold and silver.

During World War II the museum lost especially Etruscan pottery, which was stored in the bombed Neue Pinakothek.

A famous Roman Goblet from Cologne made of reticella (or network) glass (4th century AD) still displays its Latin inscription BIBE MULTIS ANNIS (Drink thou for many years!).

An antique mummy portrait which originates from around 140 AD depicts a young upper-class man of imperial Egypt.