The museum constitutes an architectural monument in itself, as it consists of a variety of buildings erected in different periods.
It incorporates the remaining structures of the former Nuremberg Charterhouse (German: Kartäuserkloster), dissolved in 1525 and thereafter used for a variety of secular purposes until in 1857 what was left of these premises, by then badly dilapidated, was given to the Museum.
The charterhouse was rebuilt and modified to accommodate the collections until the late nineteenth century when Neo-Gothic extensions were added on its south side.
During and after the First World War, the „Alter Eingang“ (Old Entrance) and the „Galeriebau“ (Gallery building) designed by German Bestelmeyer were built to provide an entrance from Kornmarkt and further space.

After the destructions during the Second World War, Sep Ruf designed additional buildings; historical parts of the halls and galleries were adapted to the new architectural concept or torn down after their destruction during the war; only some buildings were restored and rebuilt.
The first major building was added 1955–1958, called „Heussbau“ after the first president of West Germany, Theodor Heuss.
In 1983, and from 1988–1993, the museum was substantially enlarged.
The „Kartäuserbau“ with the new entrance hall situated now on Kartäusergasse was designed by Jan Störmer of architects ME DI UM.
In 1999, the 1910 building of the St Lorenz's parish children's home was acquired.
It was restored in 2002, and is now the home for the Collection of Children's Toys.
The museum constitutes an architectural monument in itself, as it consists of a variety of buildings erected in different periods. It incorporates the remaining structures of the former Nuremberg Charterhouse (German: Kartäuserkloster), dissolved in 1525 and thereafter used for a variety of secular purposes until in 1857 what was left of these premises, by then badly dilapidated, was given to the Museum. The charterhouse was rebuilt and modified to accommodate the collections until the late nineteenth century when Neo-Gothic extensions were added on its south side. During and after the First World War, the „Alter Eingang“ (Old Entrance) and the „Galeriebau“ (Gallery building) designed by German Bestelmeyer were built to provide an entrance from Kornmarkt and further space.
After the destructions during the Second World War, Sep Ruf designed additional buildings; historical parts of the halls and galleries were adapted to the new architectural concept or torn down after their destruction during the war; only some buildings were restored and rebuilt. The first major building was added 1955–1958, called „Heussbau“ after the first president of West Germany, Theodor Heuss. In 1983, and from 1988–1993, the museum was substantially enlarged. The „Kartäuserbau“ with the new entrance hall situated now on Kartäusergasse was designed by Jan Störmer of architects ME DI UM. In 1999, the 1910 building of the St Lorenz's parish children's home was acquired. It was restored in 2002, and is now the home for the Collection of Children's Toys.
Germanisches Nationalmuseum