Exploring Vienna: Navigating To The Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library is located in Vienna, in the Hofburg Imperial Palace. It is the largest library in Austria, with over 12 million items in its collection. The library is known for its beautiful architecture and ornate interior decoration, including a dome and numerous frescoes. It is accessible via subway, tram, bus, or on foot. The nearest subway stations are Herrengasse on the U3 line and Stephansplatz on the U1 line. The State Hall of the library is open to the public from Friday to Wednesday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and until 9 pm on Thursdays.

The Austrian National Library is located in Vienna's Hofburg Imperial Palace

The Austrian National Library is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest subway stations are Herrengasse (U3) and Stephansplatz (U3 and U1). From there, it is a short walk to the library. Alternatively, you can take tram lines 1, 2, 71, or D to the Burgring stop and then walk through the Hofburg complex. Bus lines 1A and 2A also stop at Michaelerplatz, which is close to the library.

The main entrance to the National Library is located in the Neue Burg, while the entrance to the Prunksaal is in the Hofburg complex, specifically in Josefsplatz. The State Hall is open to the public, and tickets typically cost €10-11 for adults, with kids getting free entry. The Vienna City Card offers discounted admission to the library. The library also offers guided tours, which are highly recommended to fully appreciate the collection and the impressive interior.

The Austrian National Library is a must-see attraction in Vienna, especially for those interested in history and literature. The vast collection and the grandeur of the building make it a unique and memorable experience. The library is also conveniently located near other popular landmarks, such as the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) and Vienna's iconic Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral).

The library is accessible via subway, tram, bus, or on foot

The Austrian National Library is located in Vienna, in the Hofburg Imperial Palace complex. It is accessible by subway, tram, bus, or on foot.

If you are taking the subway, the nearest station is Herrengasse on the U3 (orange) line, or Stephansplatz on the U1 (red) line. The library is a short walk from either of these stations. You can also take the tram—the 1, 2, 71, or D tram around the Ring to the Burgring stop, then walk through the Hofburg to the library. Alternatively, you can take the 1A or 2A bus to Michaelerplatz.

If you are walking, the library is located in Vienna's old town centre, so you may come across it as you meander through the city. The main entrance is in the Neue Burg, but the State Hall entrance is in Josefsplatz. The State Hall is open from 10 am to 6 pm from Friday to Wednesday, and until 9 pm on Thursdays. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays.

The State Hall is the main attraction, with its grand architecture and historic books

The State Hall is the main attraction of the Austrian National Library, and for good reason. Built in the 18th century as part of the former Court Library, the hall is grand and beautiful, with an impressive length of almost 80 metres and a height of 20 to 30 metres. The architecture is a jewel of secular Baroque design, commissioned by Emperor Charles VI and constructed according to the plans of the famous court architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and his son Joseph Emanuel.

The interior decoration is exquisite, boasting an elaborately decorated dome, numerous frescoes, gildings, decorations in stucco, marble, stone, and metal, and wooden bookshelves. The famous ceiling fresco, completed in 1730, depicts the "becoming a god" of Emperor Charles VI, who commissioned the hall, and stands hewn in marble in the centre of the central oval, directly beneath the dome. The other 16 statues in the hall depict rulers and nobility of the Austro-Spanish Habsburg family.

The State Hall houses an extensive collection of over 200,000 historic books, all published between 1501 and 1850, including 15,000 volumes from Prince Eugene of Savoy's collection. The books are arranged and exhibited in 128 historic bookshelves and cabinets, with the hall's four magnificent Venetian globes, each with a diameter of over one metre, providing the finishing touch.

The hall attracts approximately 330,000 visitors annually and is well worth a visit, with guided tours available to provide further insight into its history and collections.

Tickets are €10-11 for adults, with discounts for groups and families

The Austrian National Library is located in Vienna, in the centre of the city. It is housed in the Hofburg building complex, with its main entrance in the Neue Burg. The State Hall, or Prunksaal, is in a different part of the complex, which you can access by going to Josefsplatz. The State Hall is considered one of the most beautiful library rooms in the world, with its impressive Baroque architecture, marble statues, frescoes, and chestnut wooden shelves. The library is home to 7.4 million books, including papyrus, manuscripts, ancient and rare books, and globes.

Tickets to the Austrian National Library typically cost €10 for adults, with a slight increase to €11 according to some sources. Children can enter for free. You can get discounted tickets with the Vienna City Card, and there are also discounts for groups and families. The library is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day except Thursday, when it is open until 9 pm. On Mondays from October to May, the library is closed.

The Austrian National Library is a must-see for literature and book lovers. It is the largest library in Austria and has a rich history, founded by the Habsburg dynasty, also known as the royal family of Habsburgs. Initially called the Hof Library or the Hof-Bibliothek, the library was renamed the Austrian National Library in 1920.

The library offers a wealth of knowledge and culture, with various museums and areas to explore, such as the State Hall, the Globe Museum, the Esperanto Museum, and the Papyrus Museum. Each of these museums offers a unique experience and a chance to delve into different aspects of the library's extensive collections.

There are several other museums within the library, including the Globe Museum and the Esperanto Museum

The Austrian National Library, located in the Hofburg building complex in Vienna, houses a collection of 7.4 million books, papyri, manuscripts, ancient and rare books, and globes. The library, founded by the Habsburg dynasty, was originally named the Hof Library but was renamed the Austrian National Library in 1920. The State Hall of the Austrian National Library is renowned for its grand architecture, intricate interior decoration, and impressive collection of four magnificent Venetian globes, each with a diameter of over one metre.

Within the Austrian National Library, there are several museums that offer a deeper exploration of specific themes and collections. One such museum is the Globe Museum (German: Globenmuseum), which opened in 1956 and is dedicated to the world of globes. It is the only public museum in the world exclusively focused on globes, showcasing three-dimensional models of the Earth and other celestial bodies, as well as spherical representations of the celestial sphere. The museum's collection has grown significantly over the years, now boasting approximately 600 terrestrial and celestial globes, with around 200 on permanent display. The Globe Museum is located in the Palais Mollard in the Herrengasse, providing a specialised exhibition space for globes that were once part of the National Library's map collection.

Another museum within the Austrian National Library is the Esperanto Museum, which delves into the fascinating history of Esperanto, a constructed language with a rich past spanning over a century. The permanent exhibition at the Esperanto Museum, also housed in the Palais Mollard, explores the language's inception with the publication of the first Esperanto textbook in 1887, its rapid spread before World War I, its suppression during the era of National Socialism, and its continued use in the present day. Through interactive media stations, historic posters, and archive records, visitors can discover the creative and multifaceted dimensions of Esperanto.

These museums within the Austrian National Library provide specialised showcases of the library's vast collections, offering visitors a more nuanced understanding of specific artefacts and themes. The Globe Museum and the Esperanto Museum, with their distinct focuses, contribute to the cultural and educational offerings of the library, making it a dynamic and engaging destination for locals and visitors alike.

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