State Hall of the National Library of Vienna
What should visitors keep in mind when visiting the State Library's State Hall?
How does admission work?
With the Vienna PASS or Vienna FLEXI Pass, you can skip the ticket counter and go directly to the entrance of the State Hall. Show your Vienna PASS or Vienna FLEXI Pass there.
Price
Free admission with the Vienna PASS and Vienna FLEXI Pass
Directions
Public Transport
Subway: U1, U3 Stephansplatz; U2 Museumsquartier; U3 Herrengasse
Tram: 1, 2, 71, D Burgring
Bus: 1A Habsburgergasse
HOP ON HOP OFF
Stop: Kunsthistorisches Museum/Heldenplatz (yellow/blue/red line)
Why is it worth visiting the State Hall at the National Library of Vienna?
The State Hall of the Austrian National Library is one of the world's most beautiful historic libraries. Habsburg Emperor Charles VI (1685-1740) had this gem of secular baroque architecture built for his court library. The 77-metre long State Hall was built between 1723 and 1726 according to the plans of the famous court architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The ceiling frescoes were completed in 1730 by court painter Daniel Gran.
Ornamental Globes & Marble Statues
The four Baroque ceremonial globes—two terrestrial and two celestial—displayed in the central oval were created by Vincenzo Coronelli. Together with the marble statues of the brothers Peter and Paul Strudel and the walnut bookcases, they present an authentic depiction of an 18th-century Baroque universal library.
Dome fresco
The impressive dome fresco in the Ceremonial Hall of the Austrian National Library was created by Daniel Gran. It glorifies Emperor Charles VI and depicts virtues, power, and the promotion of science and the arts. This colorful painting is considered one of Austria’s most significant Baroque frescoes.
The Collection of Prince Eugene of Savoy
A significant portion of the collection comes from the famous library of Prince Eugene of Savoy. After his death, the valuable book collection was acquired and incorporated into the Court Library. It comprised approximately 10,000 works on history, literature, and science and is on display in the central oval of the Ceremonial Hall. In the 18th century, the collection was valued at 150,000 guilders, making it more valuable than Prince Eugene’s Belvedere Palace, which was built for 100,000 guilders!
Frequently Asked Questions About the State Hall of the Austrian National Library
Is it worth visiting the State Hall at the National Library of Vienna?
Yes. The Baroque state hall is one of the most beautiful historic library halls in the world and impresses visitors with its frescoes, statues, and some 200,000 historic books.
Is the state hall suitable for children?
Yes. The State Hall is also suitable for families. Children can explore the magnificent architecture and the historical books, some of which are on display with their pages open. Younger children, however, should be accompanied by an adult.
Is admission to the State Hall included in the Vienna PASS or the Vienna FLEXI Pass?
Yes. Both the Vienna PASS and the Vienna FLEXI Pass include free admission to the State Hall, including fast-track access.
Can you also go to the library's reading room?
Yes, but separately from a visit to the museum. The public reading rooms are located on Heldenplatz and can be visited in accordance with the respective terms of use. The State Hall is a museum in its own right; the books on display there cannot be read.
What's the best time of day to arrive for admission?
It's best to go right when it opens at 9:00 a.m. It's usually quieter then, so you can take photos and explore the hall in a particularly relaxed atmosphere.
Are there set admission times or time slots?
No, you can visit the State Hall during opening hours without a specific time slot.
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 60 minutes. If you want to take a closer look at the exhibits and details, you should plan on an hour or a little more.
October - May
For the other public holidays the usual opening hours apply.
Public
Metro:U1,U3 Stephansplatz; U2 Museumsquartier; U3 Herrengasse
Tram:1, 2, 71, D Burgring
Bus: 1A Habsburgergasse
Hop On Hop Off
Bus Stop:
Kunsthistorisches Museum/Heldenplatz
Address
Josefsplatz 1,
1015
Vienna
Phone:
+43 1 534 10-394
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