The publication accompanying the eponymous special exhibition offers a look at the extensive and world-famous collection of the Kunstmuseum Basel. Through the museum's holdings, it reflects on both illustrious and forgotten, private and world-historical, and at times grotesque events from the history of the city of Basel and its protagonists – including the world-renowned Frick and Frack, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Albert Hofmann. Thus, the book serves not only as a collection catalog but also provides a variety of stories and anecdotes that reveal insights into the works beyond their art-historical classification, allowing for new understandings of the collection and its history. Additionally, renowned experts discuss what collecting on behalf of the public means.