The foundation’s collection comprises approximately 200 works, mainly from the 16th to 18th centuries, which are important for the extended cultural area of Schaffhausen. The main focus is on paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, as well as historical objects and items related to the Peyer family.

During the bombing of Schaffhausen in 1944, portraits of family members by the artist Tobias Stimmer were destroyed. The main concern of the Peyersche Tobias Stimmer Foundation was to preserve Schaffhausen’s cultural heritage for the future and to close gaps in the museum’s collections. In accordance with its name, the foundation still focuses on the procurement of artworks from the time and milieu of Tobias Stimmer. The foundation also focuses on art objects of all genres from the holdings of the Peyer family and other families of the Schaffhausen patriciate. Targeted purchases were intended to prevent sales and losses.