State Hall of the National Library: Books, Globes and Baroque
One of the world's most beautiful library halls, in the Hofburg
TopicWienPhoto: Daniel Gran, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private tour of the State Hall of the Austrian National Library shows one of the most beautiful historic library halls in the world. You learn how the Habsburgs collected and showcased knowledge.
The State Hall was built under Emperor Charles VI to plans by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and completed by his son Joseph Emanuel in the 1720s. Almost 80 meters long, the hall is a total work of art combining architecture, painting and books.
The ceiling frescoes by Daniel Gran glorify the emperor and the knowledge of his time. About 200,000 historic volumes fill the walnut shelves, including the library of Prince Eugene of Savoy. In the center stands a statue of Charles VI, surrounded by magnificent globes.
Your guide explains the imagery, tells how the court library became the national library and points out special treasures. On request you can add the Globe Museum or the Papyrus Museum.
Highlights
- Fischer von Erlach's baroque State Hall
- Ceiling frescoes by Daniel Gran
- About 200,000 historic volumes
- The library of Prince Eugene
- Magnificent globes and the statue of Charles VI
The route
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1Josefsplatz
Start in front of the court library.
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2State Hall
Architecture and walls of books at a glance.
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3Dome room
Frescoes and the emperor's statue.
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4Prince Eugene's library
Books of a general and collector.
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5Optional Globe Museum
Historic terrestrial and celestial globes.
Who this tour is for
For book lovers, art fans and anyone who wants to see one of Vienna's most impressive rooms.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are never included in the tour price. When you book, we are happy to tell you which admissions apply to your group.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour for your group only. The price is per group, not per person, which makes it great value for families and friends traveling together.
Is the State Hall accessible?
The State Hall can be reached by elevator. Let us know about any special needs when booking and your guide will plan accordingly.
