Austrian National Library: Vienna's magnificent treasure trove of knowledge
The Austrian National Library is the largest library in the country and is located in the magnificent State Hall of the Vienna Hofburg. With an impressive collection of over 12 million books, manuscripts and historical documents, it is an important center for science and research. Visitors can admire the impressive baroque architecture and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of knowledge.
Short info:
- Where is the Great Hall of the Austrian National Library? Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
- What is the State Hall? an impressive Baroque-style library built in the 18th century.
- What is there to see there? The State Hall houses around 200,000 volumes and 15,000 manuscripts, which are kept on oak shelves. Paintings of important people and historical events hang on the walls. The most impressive is the ceiling painting.
- When is it open? Here you can find all opening hours
- How much does the entrance fee cost? Here are all ticket prices. With the NÖ-Card One-time admission is free.
The State Hall of the Austrian National Library is undoubtedly one of the most impressive rooms in Vienna. As part of the Vienna Hofburg, one of the city's most famous buildings, the State Hall is a jewel of architecture and a testament to history. The State Hall is a place that combines the beauty of books and the power of knowledge.
In the 18th century, Emperor Charles VI had the former court library built as a separate wing in the imperial residence, the Hofburg. His statue now stands in the middle of the hall.
Further information can be found in the State Hall:
- around 200,000 books from the years 1501–1850
- the approximately 15,000-volume collection of Prince Eugene of Savoy
- the marble statues of the Strudel brothers
- the allegorical frescoes in the War and Peace wings.
- The heart of the Austrian National Library is completed by four magnificent Venetian globes with a diameter of over one meter.
The room is 77 metres long, 14 metres wide and 20 metres high. It is decorated with frescoes by Daniel Gran and sculptures by Paul Strudel and has a imposing dome, which floods the room with light. The central image shows the "Apotheosis of Emperor Charles VI", surrounded by angels and putti. Around this main image are eight medallions with portraits of famous scholars and writers who represent the various fields of knowledge, such as history, philosophy, theology and natural sciences.
The collection of the State Hall is so extensive and valuable that it is one of the largest and most important libraries in the world. The books kept here range from ancient works to modern literary and scientific books.
Overall, the State Hall of the Austrian National Library is an impressive example of the connection between architecture and science. Anyone in Vienna should definitely take the time to visit the State Hall and be impressed by its beauty and significance.
The National Library also offers guided tours of the State Hall:
Every Thursday at 6 p.m. and every Sunday at 3 p.m. you have the opportunity to take part in public tours through the unique Baroque library.
Meeting point: Prunksaal Servicedesk, Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Duration: 45 minutes
English 
German 
Italian 
Czech 
Hungarian