Short Info:
- Where is the State Hall of the Austrian National Library located? Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna.
- What is the State Hall? It is an impressive Baroque-style library that was built in the 18th century.
- What is there to see there? The State Hall houses around 200,000 books and 15,000 manuscripts stored in oak bookcases. The walls are adorned with paintings of significant personalities and historical events. The ceiling painting is particularly impressive.
- When is it open? Here you can find all opening times.
- How much does it cost to enter? Here are all the ticket prices. With the NÖ-Card, admission is free once.
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 well-known buildings, the State Hall is a jewel of architecture and a testament to history. The State Hall is a place that unites the beauty of books and the power of knowledge.
In the 18th century, Emperor Charles VI had the former court library built as its own wing in the Imperial Residence Hofburg. His statue stands in the middle of the hall today.
Here is what you can find in the State Hall:
- Around 200,000 books from the years 1501-1850
- The approximately 15,000 volumes 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 Venetian grand globes with a diameter of over one meter.
The room is 77 meters long, 14 meters wide, and 20 meters high. It is decorated with frescoes by Daniel Gran and sculptures by Paul Strudel and has an imposing dome that floods the room with light. The central depiction shows the “apotheosis of Emperor Charles VI,” surrounded by angels and putti. Around this main depiction, eight medallions with portraits of famous scholars and writers are arranged, representing various fields of knowledge such as history, philosophy, theology, and natural sciences.
The State Hall’s collection is so extensive and valuable that it is considered one of the largest and most important libraries in the world. The books housed here range from ancient works to modern literature and scientific books.
Overall, the State Hall of the Austrian National Library is an impressive example of the combination of architecture and science. If you are in Vienna, you 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 pm and every Sunday at 3 pm, you have the opportunity to participate in public tours of the unique Baroque library. Meeting point: State Hall Servicedesk, Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Duration: 45 minutes
What else is there to see in the area?