Austrian National Library

The State Hall

of the Austrian National Library

The State Hall

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The state hall of the Austrian National Library

A virtual tour through a Baroque masterpiece.

Cover photo: © Österreichische Nationalbibliothek | Hloch

Baroque splendor

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 - surrounded by four magnificent Venetian globes - in the center of the ceremonial hall. With an elegant gesture, he invites you.

  • around 200,000 books from the years 1501–1850
  • the collection of Prince Eugene of Savoy, comprising around 15,000 volumes
  • the marble statues of the Strudel brothers
  • as well as marvel at the allegorical frescoes in the War and Peace Wing.

Dark walnut wood, stone floors and gold decorations form the opulent setting for these treasures.

Photo: © Österreichische Nationalbibliothek | Hloch
State Hall
State Hall

Precious book paradise

With its historical collections, the Austrian National Library ranks among the most significant libraries in the world. Particularly noteworthy is the library of Prince Eugene, consisting of 15,000 volumes bound in red, blue, and yellow Morocco leather, located in the central oval of the hall.

The rich collection of the court library resulted from various sources: Habsburg collections, purchases of famous libraries, donations, legal deposit copies, purchases at book markets, and since Gerard van Swieten, systematic acquisitions of newer literature through the book trade.

Photo: © Österreichische Nationalbibliothek | Hloch

Get inspired online and learn even more about the history of the Austrian National Library and the State Hall.

Timeline

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