Illustration of an apparatus for operating a potato distillery with steam distillation invented by Franz Ernst Siemens in 1826

Austrian National Library

A Complete Guide to Visiting the Austrian National Library Vienna: Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek), located in Vienna’s historic Hofburg Palace, stands as a beacon of Austria’s cultural, historical, and intellectual legacy. Tracing its origins to the 14th century as the Imperial Court Library of the Habsburg dynasty, it has grown over six centuries into one of Europe’s leading research libraries, with more than 12 million items in its care. The centerpiece is the awe-inspiring Baroque State Hall (Prunksaal), a globally recognized architectural gem adorned with frescoes by Daniel Gran and shelves of leather-bound volumes (Wikipedia, arc-magazine.com, Trip101).

Visitors can explore not only the State Hall’s architectural grandeur but also a range of specialized museums such as the Globe Museum, Papyrus Museum, Literature Museum, and Esperanto Museum. The library is a pioneer in digital transformation, offering vast portions of its collections online for global access (Google Arts & Culture, onb.ac.at). This guide provides essential information for planning your visit, including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, tips, and highlights of nearby attractions like Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Whether you’re a history buff, bibliophile, or cultural traveler, the Austrian National Library promises an unforgettable journey through centuries of European knowledge.

Label of the Imperial Royal Court Library circa 1868 on book cover of negotiations of 25th assembly of German philologists and schoolmasters in Halle 1867

Gonzaga theater scene design from 1927 Deutsche Theaterausstellung, loaned by Vienna National Library

Historic Hofburg Fire Court Library Zoology Cabinet with classical illustrations from 1848

Scene model of Schiller's Jungfrau von Orleans at Burgtheater around 1880, loan from Vienna National Library

Decorative court design by Julius Quaglio from the National Library Vienna

Yellow and black embossed sealing stamp of Kaiserliche Königliche Hofbibliothek in Wien

Vintage black and white panoramic photograph of Vienna cityscape and surrounding landscape from 1912

Stage model of Schiller's Wilhelm Tell at Vienna Burgtheater around 1880

Discover the Austrian National Library: History & Visitor Info
Visitor Information: Planning Your Visit
Austrian National Library State Hall: Architecture, Highlights & Visiting Details
Collections & Museums: Must-See Treasures
Visitor Experience: Tours & Accessibility
Practical Tips & FAQs
Summary & Final Tips
References & Further Reading

Discover the Austrian National Library: History & Visitor Info

Origins and Early Development

Founded in the 14th century as the Imperial Court Library, the Austrian National Library’s growth mirrored the rise of the Habsburg dynasty. Over centuries, the collection expanded through acquisitions, royal gifts, and scholarly pursuits (Wikipedia).

Baroque Transformation

Emperor Charles VI commissioned a new Baroque building in 1722, designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and completed by his son. The State Hall, finished in 1737, is famous for its frescoes, marble statues, and walnut bookshelves (arc-magazine.com, wien.info).

Enlightenment and Expansion

The 18th century saw major growth, notably with Prince Eugene of Savoy’s collection, and reforms led by Gerard and Gottfried van Swieten, establishing the library as a center of scholarly research (Wikipedia).

National Institution and Modern Era

After World War I, the library became the Austrian National Library, with legal deposit laws established to preserve the country’s publications (Google Arts & Culture). Post-World War II, the library engaged in restitution efforts for items confiscated during the Nazi era.

Digital Transformation

Since the 1990s, significant digitization projects, including a partnership with Google, have made thousands of rare books accessible online (Wikipedia, Google Arts & Culture).

Collections and Museums

The library is home to eight special departments, including manuscripts, music, maps, papyri, and an Austrian Web Archive. Four museums—the State Hall, Globe Museum, Papyrus Museum, and Literature Museum—offer unique experiences for visitors (wien.info).

Visitor Information: Planning Your Visit

Location: Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Getting There: U-Bahn (U3, Herrengasse), trams 1, 2, D, and walking distance from central attractions
Opening Hours:
- State Hall & Museums: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (closed Mondays)
- Extended hours Thursday until 21:00 (summer months also open Mondays)
- Always check the official website for current hours and holiday changes
Tickets:
- State Hall: Adults €7–12 (varies by exhibition), Reduced €6–8, Free for under 19s
- Museums: Admission generally from €6, combination tickets available
- Purchase at entrance or online
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible, lifts available, accessible restrooms
- Staff assistance on request
- Cloakroom for coats/bags (large bags must be checked)
Photography:
- Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas; flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited

Austrian National Library State Hall: Architecture, Highlights & Visiting Details

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The State Hall, designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and completed in 1737, is a Baroque marvel. It stretches 80 meters in length, rises 20–30 meters high, and features a stunning central dome. Double-storied walnut bookshelves, gilded moldings, and marble statues create an atmosphere of imperial grandeur (Trip101).

The ceiling frescoes by Daniel Gran (1726–1730) depict Emperor Charles VI’s apotheosis and allegories of peace, war, religion, and law. Sixteen marble statues of Habsburg rulers, created by Peter and Paul Strudel, and monumental Venetian globes by Vincenzo Coronelli (late 17th century) add to the hall’s splendor (The Perpetual Saturday, Trip101).

Over 200,000 historic volumes—including Prince Eugene of Savoy’s famed collection—line the shelves. While most are not directly accessible, visitors can view select treasures in glass displays (Arts & Culture Google).

Visiting Details

Entrance: Josefsplatz; upper floor via stairs or elevator
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00; extended Thursday hours and select Mondays in summer
Tickets: Adults €7–12, Reduced €6–8, Under 19s free
Tours: Guided tours (German, English, other languages by request) and audio guides available
Best Times: Early morning or weekdays for fewer crowds
Accessibility: Elevator access; contact ahead for special needs

Special Exhibitions & Events

The State Hall hosts major exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. Some displays may temporarily obscure parts of the collection, but offer added insights into Austria’s history and the library’s treasures (onb.ac.at).

Collections & Museums: Must-See Treasures

State Hall

Baroque architecture, frescoes, marble statues, and Venetian globes
200,000+ historic books, including the “Golden Holy Gospels” (1368) and Prince Eugene’s library

Papyrus Museum

200 unique papyri on display from a collection of 180,000+
Ancient manuscripts spanning 3,000 years of Egyptian history

Globe Museum

Over 300 terrestrial and celestial globes, including Austria’s oldest from 1536
Historic maps and instruments

Literature Museum

Original manuscripts, rare books, and memorabilia from Austrian literary giants
Interactive exhibits and rotating special exhibitions

Esperanto Museum

Dedicated to Esperanto and other constructed languages
Books, documents, and artifacts exploring linguistic innovation

Special Collections

Music Autographs: Manuscripts of Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and more
Maps & Atlases: Charting the evolution of European geography
Photographs: Three million items documenting Austria’s visual history

Digital Collections

The library’s digitization project, in partnership with Google, offers around 200,000 copyright-free books online, supporting global access to Austria’s literary and cultural heritage (shunculture.com).

Visitor Experience: Tours & Accessibility

Guided Tours: Regular tours in German and English; private tours available by advance booking. Themed tours and workshops for children and families are also offered.
Reading Rooms: Available for researchers; free Wi-Fi
Facilities: Restrooms, cloakroom, gift shop, nearby cafés
Family-Friendly: Children under 19 enter free; strollers allowed in most areas; special events for families
Accessibility: Wheelchair access in most areas; some historic spaces may have limited access—contact staff for assistance

Practical Tips & FAQs

Tips for Your Visit

Visit early in the day or on Thursdays during extended hours for a quieter experience
Allow 1–2 hours for the State Hall, plus additional time for museums
Combine your visit with nearby sights like Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Albertina Museum
Book tours in advance, especially during peak season

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free entry days?
Occasionally, free admission is offered on special cultural days. Check the official website.
Is the library suitable for children?
Yes, with family-friendly programs and tours.
Can I access digital collections remotely?
Yes, via the digital portal.
Are large bags allowed?
No, they must be checked at the cloakroom.
Is the library accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, most areas are accessible; staff assistance is available.
Is photography allowed?
Non-flash photography is permitted; tripods and selfie sticks are not.

Summary & Final Tips

A visit to the Austrian National Library offers a profound encounter with European history, art, and scholarship. The majestic State Hall, specialized museums, and world-class collections ensure a memorable experience for all visitors. Plan ahead by checking current opening hours and ticket information, and consider exploring nearby attractions for a full day of Vienna’s imperial heritage.

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