Literature Museum

Johann Nestroy, Arthur Schnitzler, Franz Kafka, Ilse Aichinger, Ingeborg Bachmann, Thomas Bernhard, Friederike Mayröcker – these are only some of the names of major Austrian authors whose letters, works and creativity is presented in Literature Museum of the Austrian National Library. Unique original sources and numerous media points allow visitors to experience the diversity of Austrian literature from the 18th century to the present. 

- The Literature Museum is housed in the former Austro-Hungarian Exchequer Archives, whose director was the famous Austrian dramatist Franz Grillparzer? His office has survived in its original condition and is a part of the museum. 

A separate room houses surprising objects, such as Heimito von Doderer’s dressing gown, a hat from Elfriede Gerstl’s legendary hat collection, Adalbert Stifter’s cabbage slicer or a lock of Arthur Schnitzler’s hair.

In addition to the permanent exhibition on the 1st and 2nd floors, the museum presents an annual special exhibition on the 3rd floor.