Exploring Vienna: Austrian National Library's Free Access

The Austrian National Library is located in Vienna, and is considered one of the world's most beautiful historic libraries. It is the largest Baroque library in Europe, with over 12 million items in its collections. The library is home to more than 200,000 tomes, including the extensive 15,000-volume collection of Prince Eugene of Savoy. The main room, the Prunksaal, or State Hall, is an impressive space filled with marble statues and a dome adorned with stunning frescoes. While the library charges an admission fee, there are several discounts and offers available, and entry is free for children and adolescents under 19 years of age.

Entry to the library is free, but there are charges for the museums inside

The Austrian National Library in Vienna is free to enter, but there are charges for the museums inside. The library is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, with its impressive Baroque architecture and over 7.4 million items. It was founded by the royal family of Habsburgs and was initially called the Hof-Bibliothek. The main room, or State Hall, is an enormous and splendid example of Baroque architecture, filled with marble statues and frescoes. The wooden shelves hold more than 200,000 books from between 1500 and 1850, including the extensive collection of Prince Eugene of Savoy.

The Austrian National Library is more than just a library; it's also a museum. In addition to the State Hall, there are several other museums located within the library, such as the Papyrus Museum, the Globe Museum, the Esperanto Museum, and the Literature Museum. These museums showcase a variety of exhibits, including ancient papers, globes, and the history of the Esperanto language.

Entry to the library itself is free of charge, but there are ticket prices for the various museums located inside. The ticket prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the museum. For example, a combination ticket for the Globe, Esperanto, and Papyrus Museums for a family of two adults with children under 19 costs €12.50, while concessions are €4.50. Students under 27, individuals doing military or civilian service, and holders of an identity card for disabled persons receive discounted admission to all museums. Members of certain associations, journalists with press cards, and companions of school groups also enjoy free admission to all museums.

The Austrian National Library is located in the centre of Vienna and is easily accessible by public transport. It is open Monday through Sunday, with varying hours on Thursdays and Mondays during certain months. The library is a 'living' local institution, used by students, scientists, culture fans, and tourists alike. It is definitely worth a visit when in Vienna.

The State Hall is a highlight of the Austrian National Library

The State Hall houses over 200,000 historical books, making it one of the most beautiful library halls in the world. The collection includes the extensive 15,000-volume library of Prince Eugene of Savoy, featuring valuable books from France and Italy. The State Hall also displays books from monastic libraries that were closed during Joseph II's religious reforms.

The State Hall's impressive architecture and collection of valuable books make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Vienna. The hall is open to the public, with guided tours available, and is located in the Neue Burg Wing of the Hofburg Palace in the centre of Vienna.

The Austrian National Library was founded by the Habsburgs and was originally known as the Imperial Court Library. The State Hall was constructed between 1723 and 1726, with the ceiling frescoes completed in 1730 by court painter Daniel Gran. The hall features marble statues of emperors, with a statue of Emperor Charles VI at its centre, created by the sculptors Peter Strudel and Paul Strudel.

The library is a living, local institution, used by students, scientists, culture fans and corporations

The Austrian National Library is a living, local institution that attracts a wide range of visitors, from students and scientists to culture enthusiasts and corporate guests. Located in the heart of Vienna, it boasts over 12 million books and artefacts, making it the largest library in Austria.

For students and scientists, the library offers a wealth of resources for research and learning. With its extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and archives, it is a treasure trove of knowledge for those seeking information on history, law, literature, geography, music, and art. The library's special collections, such as the Image Archive, the Collection of Historic Maps, and the Literature Archive, provide a unique opportunity for in-depth exploration and study.

Culture enthusiasts also find the Austrian National Library appealing, particularly those interested in literature, art, and history. The library's State Hall, with its impressive Baroque architecture, marble statues, and frescoes, is a major draw for visitors. The hall houses over 200,000 precious leather-bound books, including the extensive collection of Prince Eugene of Savoy. The library also features several museums, such as the Papyrus Museum, the Globe Museum, and the Esperanto Museum, each offering a unique glimpse into different aspects of history and culture.

Additionally, the Austrian National Library serves as a venue for various events, such as themed exhibitions, the Literature Salon, and the Music Salon. These events attract culture fans and provide a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation. The library's stunning architecture and rich history make it a desirable location for corporate events as well. National and international corporations utilise the space for hosting guests, offering a unique setting that combines knowledge and elegance.

The Austrian National Library is more than just a repository of books; it is a vibrant hub of knowledge, culture, and community. Its diverse offerings cater to a wide range of visitors, making it an integral part of local life in Vienna.

The Austrian National Library is one of the world's most beautiful historic libraries

The library's main room, the Prunksaal or State Hall, is an impressive 230-foot-long Baroque masterpiece filled with marble statues and adorned by a dome decorated with stunning frescoes. The walls feature beautiful chestnut wooden shelves holding over 200,000 books from the 16th to the 19th centuries, including the extensive collection of Prince Eugene of Savoy. The interior of the library is just as stunning as the exterior, with a grand staircase, ornate ceilings and frescoes, marble columns, and statues.

The Austrian National Library is more than just a library; it is an elegant and tastefully decorated museum with various interesting sections to explore, including the State Hall, the Papyrus Museum, the Globe Museum, the Esperanto Museum, and the Literature Museum. The Papyrus Museum, for instance, houses a collection of papers dating back to the middle of the 2nd millennium BC up to the 13th century AD. The Globe Museum showcases various globe-like instruments such as armillary spheres, planetariums, and telluriums, while the Esperanto Museum reflects on the history of the Esperanto language and the relationship between humans and language.

The Austrian National Library is not just a treasure trove of knowledge but also of history. Established in 1368 by Duke Albrecht III, it is one of the oldest libraries in the world. The library has embraced technology by digitizing its collections, making them accessible to people worldwide. With its grandeur, impressive collections, and commitment to preserving knowledge, the Austrian National Library is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful and historic libraries.

The library is home to over 7 million books, with the oldest dating back to 1368

The Austrian National Library is a treasure trove of knowledge and history. Located in the heart of Vienna, it is considered one of the most important cultural institutions in Austria. The library is home to an extensive collection of over 7 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and prints, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. This makes it a valuable resource for scholars, researchers and book lovers alike.

The history of the library itself is a fascinating one. Established in 1368 by Duke Albrecht III, it is one of the oldest libraries in the world. The year 1368 is assumed to be the beginning of the library's collection, as it is the first time that possession of a book can be proven. This book, known as the Golden Holy Gospels, was written by Johannes von Troppau, also known as Johannes of Troppau, a priest at Landskron and a canon in Brno. The four Gospels of the Bible were transcribed in gold letters with detailed illustrations, and the book is adorned with the coats of arms of the House of Austria, Tirol, Styria and Carinthia—the lands ruled by Albrecht III at the time.

Over the centuries, the library's collection has grown significantly. Initially housed in various castles and locations, the library now boasts over 7 million books, with the oldest dating back to 1368. The collection includes rare and valuable works from a range of languages and cultures, reflecting the diverse history of the Austrian Empire.

The Austrian National Library has embraced modern technology to make its collections more accessible. Many of its items have been digitised, allowing people from all over the world to explore its treasures online. This commitment to preserving and promoting knowledge ensures that the library remains a vital resource for generations to come.

The library's main building, the Palais Mollard-Clary, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, designed by the famous architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach in the 18th century. The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, featuring a grand staircase, ornate ceilings and frescoes, marble columns and statues. With its rich history, architectural beauty and vast collection of knowledge, the Austrian National Library stands as a testament to the power of learning and the enduring value of books.

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