City palaces reflected the social position, wealth, good taste and social standing of the bourgeoisie. Monumental staircases were a very important element of Baroque city palaces, therefore, as they are connected with the fashion for ceremony that in turn was integral to political and social activities. Often the history of the family was presented through allegorical scenes.

The decoration and furnishings of the palaces reflected the contemporary European enthusiasm for the arts of the Far East, especially porcelain and lacquer, as seen in the gilded mirror and richly decorated clock illustrated as part of this exhibition. These highly desirable pieces were usually displayed in piano nobile (representative rooms) that were situated on the first floor of the palace.