In the spring of 2006, the Ernsting family opened the glass depot in Coesfeld-Lette. Since then, visitors have been able to view the entire glass collection. In the German museum landscape, the glass depot remains exceptional and unique.
In the past decades of museum collecting, the stock of glass artworks has grown tremendously. Currently, the collection includes more than 2,000 works. All techniques, both autonomous and applied objects, both miniatures and monumental works are represented, as well as artists from all over Europe and from distant countries.
In 2012, Lilly Ernsting’s active collecting led to the Alte Tenne becoming a depot in addition to the glass museum in the Alter Hof Herding across the street. Objects from the years 1970 to 2003 can be seen in showcases in the glass museum, while those from the purchase in 2004 are displayed in the glass depot in the Höltingshof
Large glass display cases, specially arranged to house the glass objects on two levels, welcome visitors. The chronological order of the display cases is systematic. Since 2006, the newly acquired glass objects have had a home in the depot. From time to time, they move to the Glass Museum, where they are exhibited in a staged manner, in contrast to their austere location in the glass depot.