Exploring Vienna's Austrian National Library: A Historical Haven

The Austrian National Library is the largest library in Austria, with over 12 million items in its collection. It is located in the Neue Burg Wing of the Hofburg in the centre of Vienna. The library is housed in a grand Baroque hall, which is 80 metres long and 20 to 30 metres high, and features a frescoed dome, intricate decorations, and numerous marble statues. The hall contains over 200,000 historic books, including works dating back to 1501, as well as four magnificent Venetian globes, each with a diameter of over one metre.

The Austrian National Library is the largest library in Austria

The library's collection includes over 3.9 million books, as well as manuscripts, incunabula, music autographs, photographs, maps, and globes. One of its most notable features is the State Hall, a grand Baroque hall that houses over 200,000 historic books. The hall is 80 metres long and 20 to 30 metres high, with a central dome and intricate frescoes. It was built in the 18th century by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and is considered one of the most beautiful library rooms in the world.

The Austrian National Library has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. During this period, Austrian Duke Albert III moved the books from the Viennese vaults into a library and arranged for important Latin works to be translated into German. Over the centuries, the library's collection grew through acquisitions, donations, and the incorporation of other libraries. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Austria's literary and cultural heritage.

The Austrian National Library is not just a repository of books and knowledge but also a showcase of beautiful architecture and art. The State Hall, with its intricate decorations, marble statues, and wooden bookshelves, embodies the imperial flair of the Baroque era. The library's collection of globes, including two terrestrial and two celestial globes from the 16th century, further adds to its uniqueness.

The Austrian National Library is a testament to the value placed on knowledge and culture in Austria. With its vast collection and rich history, it continues to play a significant role in preserving and promoting the country's literary and cultural heritage.

It has over 12 million items, including 3.9 million books

The Austrian National Library in Vienna is the largest library in Austria, with over 12 million items in its various collections. Of these, 3.9 million are books. The library is located in the Neue Burg Wing of the Hofburg Palace in the centre of Vienna. The library complex includes four museums, multiple special collections, and archives.

The Austrian National Library's history dates back to the Middle Ages, when Austrian Duke Albert III (1349-1395) moved the books of the Viennese vaults into a library. The oldest book in the library's records is the golden Holy Gospels, transcribed in 1368 by Johannes of Troppau, a priest at Landskron and canon in Brno. This book was owned by Albert III and features detailed illustrations in the school of Burgundian book art.

The library's collections continued to grow over the centuries, with valuable books being brought to Vienna by various Holy Roman Emperors and their associates. In the 16th century, the Bibliotheca Regia, a collection of scientific works, was developed in Vienna, adding to the library's holdings. By 1575, when the first head librarian, Hugo Blotius, was appointed, the library had grown to approximately 9,000 books.

The Austrian National Library's current home in the Hofburg Palace was constructed in the 18th century under Emperor Charles VI. The State Hall, the central structure of the old imperial library, is a breathtaking example of Baroque architecture. It is 80 metres long, 20 metres high, and features a dome and numerous frescoes that create an imperial flair. The State Hall alone houses over 200,000 tomes, including the collection of Prince Eugene of Savoy, bound in red, blue, and yellow Morocco leather.

In addition to books, the Austrian National Library's collections include manuscripts, incunabula, music autographs, photographs, maps, and globes. One notable collection is the papyrus collection, which contains about 180,000 objects from the period between the 15th century BCE and the 16th century CE. The library also has an extensive music collection, with numerous scores, first printings, and handwritten notes of well-known composers.

It is located in the Neue Burg Wing of the Hofburg Palace

The Austrian National Library is located in the Neue Burg Wing of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. It is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, boasting a rich history and impressive architecture.

The library's origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when Austrian Duke Albert III established the imperial library in the 14th century. Over the centuries, the library's collection grew through acquisitions, donations, and marriages, eventually becoming known as the Imperial Court Library under the Habsburgs.

In the 18th century, Emperor Charles VI authorised the construction of a permanent home for the library within the Hofburg Palace. The Neue Burg Wing, designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, became the library's new residence. The State Hall, or Prunksaal, is the central structure of the old imperial library and is located between Josephsplatz to the north and the Burggarten to the south.

The State Hall is a breathtaking example of Baroque architecture, featuring intricate decorations, a high dome, and numerous frescoes. The hall is 80 metres long and 20 metres high, with a magnificent fresco by court painter Daniel Gran adorning the ceiling. The marble statue of Emperor Charles VI stands at the centre of the hall, surrounded by other statues depicting rulers and nobility of the Austro-Spanish Habsburg family.

The Austrian National Library is more than just a library; it is a museum and a guardian of knowledge. With over 12 million items in its collection, including books, manuscripts, incunabula, music autographs, photographs, maps, and globes, it stands as the largest library in Austria. The State Hall alone houses over 200,000 historic books, with the oldest recorded book being the golden Holy Gospels from 1368.

The library's collection is not limited to Austrian works but also includes literature from foreign countries, particularly in the humanities. Through digitisation projects with Google, the library has made approximately 200,000 copyright-free books accessible to the world, furthering its reach and impact.

The State Hall is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture

The Austrian National Library in Vienna is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. The library is located in the Neue Burg Wing of the Hofburg in the centre of Vienna. The State Hall is the central structure of the old imperial library and part of the Hofburg palace. It was constructed in the 18th century and has served as a showplace of imperial heritage since.

The State Hall is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with its grand and richly decorated wooden shelves, able to house over 200,000 historic books. The hall is almost 80 metres long and 30 metres high, with a mighty dome at its centre. The riotously colourful fresco by court painter Daniel Gran depicts the "becoming a god" of Emperor Charles VI, who commissioned the construction of the library in 1723. The statue of the emperor stands in the centre of the hall, beneath the dome, with 16 other statues of rulers and nobility of the Austro-Spanish Habsburg family surrounding it.

The Baroque style of architecture emerged in Italy in the late 16th century and gradually spread across Europe. It is known for its highly decorative and theatrical style, aiming to inspire surprise and awe in viewers. The State Hall embodies these characteristics with its intricate details, dynamic architectural forms, and lavish decorations. The wooden bookshelves, gildings, and decorations in stucco, marble, stone, and metal all contribute to the Baroque style.

The Baroque period is divided into Early Baroque (1584-1625), High Baroque (1625-1675), and Late Baroque (1675-1750). The State Hall, constructed in the 18th century, falls under the High Baroque period, during which the style spread across Europe and was used in churches and palaces. The hall's grandiosity and intricate details are characteristic of the High Baroque period.

Overall, the State Hall of the Austrian National Library is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, showcasing the beauty and grandeur of this artistic style.

The library was founded by the Habsburgs

The Austrian National Library, located in Vienna, was founded by the Habsburgs. Originally called the Imperial Court Library (German: Kaiserliche Hofbibliothek), the library was established in the 14th century and has changed names multiple times since. The first book in the collection was a gospel transcribed by Johannes of Troppau in 1368, which was owned by Albert III, the Austrian Duke. Albert III was an art connoisseur and supported the University of Vienna. He also founded a royal workshop for illustrating manuscripts.

The Imperial Court Library was established to house the book collections of the Habsburgs, which were kept in various locations, including the castles of Vienna, Wiener Neustadt, and Innsbruck. The collections contained Austrian, Bohemian, French, and Italian manuscripts in multiple languages, some of which were decorated with valuable illuminations.

Over time, the library's collection expanded through acquisitions and donations. Notable additions include books brought by Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, through his marriage to Mary of Burgundy, as well as books from Italian workshops brought by his second wife, Bianca Maria Sforza.

In 1722, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, authorised the construction of a permanent home for the library in the Hofburg palace. The wing was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and started accommodating the library in the 18th century. The State Hall of the library, also known as the Prunksaal, is particularly noteworthy for its rich Baroque architecture and decorations.

The Austrian National Library has a long and fascinating history that began with the founding of the Imperial Court Library by the Habsburgs. The library has since become a significant repository of knowledge and culture, housing over 12 million items across various collections.

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