Panoramic view of the Austrian National Library interior with ornate architecture and extensive bookshelves

State Hall Of The National Library Of Austria

State Hall of the National Library of Austria, Vienna: Comprehensive Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled within Vienna’s Hofburg Palace complex, the State Hall (Prunksaal) of the Austrian National Library is a triumph of Baroque architecture and a symbol of the Habsburg dynasty’s dedication to knowledge, culture, and imperial prestige. Commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI in the early 18th century and designed by renowned architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, this monumental space not only dazzles with its artistic splendor—including Daniel Gran’s soaring dome fresco—but also serves as the guardian of some 200,000 precious volumes and artifacts. Today, it is one of Vienna’s most significant historical sites, offering visitors an immersive experience into the city’s intellectual and artistic heritage (shunculture.com; viennatouristinformation.com).

This guide provides everything you need for your visit: historical context, architectural highlights, visiting hours and ticketing, accessibility, special exhibitions, travel tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Interior of the Prunksaal, Nationalbibliothek Wien with ornate wooden shelves and a grand hall

Watercolor painting of a person in a national library by Oskar Laske

History and Cultural Significance
Architectural and Artistic Highlights
Visiting Information
Practical Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Preservation, Modernization & Digital Access
Enhance Your Visit
Summary & Call to Action
References

History and Cultural Significance

Origins and Early Development

The roots of the State Hall trace to the 14th century, when the Habsburg dynasty began assembling a collection of manuscripts and books to showcase their growing power and intellectual pursuits. The oldest recorded piece, the golden Holy Gospels of 1368, was crafted for Duke Albert III and laid the foundation for a multicultural, multilingual library (shunculture.com). Over time, the library’s holdings expanded through acquisitions and donations, becoming a leading center for scholarship in the humanities (connectingvienna.com).

The Baroque Transformation

A transformational moment arrived in 1722, when Emperor Charles VI commissioned a permanent, grand library within the Hofburg Palace. Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and his son, Joseph Emanuel, led the design and construction—the main structure completed in 1726, with interior decoration finalized by 1730. The State Hall was conceived as both a repository for the imperial collection and a physical expression of Baroque grandeur (archello.com).

Growth of the Collection

By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the library’s holdings reached approximately 200,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts, incunabula, autographs, maps, and an extensive papyrus collection. A highlight is the acquisition of Prince Eugene of Savoy’s 15,000-volume collection, which remains displayed in the central oval of the hall (connectingvienna.com; archello.com).

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The State Hall is celebrated as a Baroque masterpiece:

Dimensions: 77.7 meters long, 14.2 meters wide, and 19.6 meters high, crowned by a 30-meter-high central dome (Austrian National Library).
Frescoes: The dome’s fresco by Daniel Gran (1730) depicts the apotheosis of Emperor Charles VI, surrounded by allegorical figures representing the empire’s virtues and global reach (KHM Museumsverband).
Sculptures: Statues by Antonio Corradini and the Strudel brothers depict the emperor, his family, and allegories of knowledge.
Materials: Marble floors and columns, walnut wood galleries and bookcases, and gilded stucco create an atmosphere of imperial magnificence (Vienna Unwrapped).
Globes: Four monumental Venetian globes, including works by Vincenzo Coronelli, are among the world’s largest Renaissance globes (onb.ac.at).
Illuminated Manuscripts: Precious works such as the Holy Gospels of 1368 and the Vienna Dioscurides are occasionally displayed (introducingvienna.com).

Visiting Information

Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays and select public holidays. Always confirm on the official website before visiting.
Admission:
- Adults: €10
- Students (under 27) & seniors (over 65): €8
- Children/youth (under 19): Free
- Family and group rates available
  (ticketing information)
Purchase: Tickets available online or onsite (advance booking recommended during peak times).

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Wheelchair accessible (ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms)
Free wheelchair loans at cloakroom
Service animals welcome
Cloakroom: Large bags, coats, and umbrellas must be checked for preservation (accessibility information)
Photography: Allowed without flash or tripods for personal use

Guided Tours and Exhibitions

Guided Tours: Offered in English and German; advance booking recommended (guided tours)
Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages for a small fee
Exhibitions: Temporary exhibitions rotate several times a year, displaying manuscripts, maps, and thematic displays (current exhibitions)
Interactive Content: QR codes and multimedia panels enhance the visitor experience

Practical Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions

Location: Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, in the Hofburg Palace complex
Getting There:
- U-Bahn: Stephansplatz (U1, U3), Herrengasse (U3)
- Trams/buses: Burgring, Oper/Karlsplatz stops (Vienna Public Transport)
- Parking: Public garages nearby; parking in the area is limited
Nearby Attractions:
- Spanish Riding School
- Imperial Apartments
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Albertina Museum
- Vienna State Opera
Dining: Cafés such as Café Central and Demel offer classic Viennese experiences (Vienna Tourist Board)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the State Hall visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; last admission 30 minutes before closing.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Online or onsite; online purchase is recommended for busy periods.

Q: Is the State Hall accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in English and German; book in advance.

Q: May I take photos inside?
A: Yes, for personal use without flash or tripods.

Preservation, Modernization & Digital Access

Despite the upheavals of the 20th century, the State Hall remains intact, with recent upgrades ensuring optimal lighting and climate control to protect its collections (archello.com). Digitization initiatives, including partnerships with Google, have made tens of thousands of rare volumes accessible worldwide (shunculture.com; onb.ac.at).

Enhance Your Visit

Download the Audiala app for audio guides and up-to-date event information.
Use the virtual tour and multimedia resources before your visit.
Follow the Austrian National Library on social media for exhibition and event updates.

Summary & Call to Action

The State Hall of the National Library of Austria is an essential stop for anyone interested in Vienna’s imperial heritage, Baroque architecture, or the history of knowledge. With its awe-inspiring art, priceless collections, and modern visitor amenities, it offers a deeply enriching experience. Plan your visit using the official resources, explore nearby cultural sites, and take advantage of digital tools to maximize your journey into Austria’s rich past (connectingvienna.com; viennatouristinformation.com).