Belvedere Palace Tickets and Information
- Belvedere Palace Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030, Vienna
- Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 - 18:00
Is Belvedere Palace Worth Visiting
- It’s one of our top selling tickets in the area.
- If you enjoy historical buildings steeped in history, you will love Belvedere Palace
- Art lovers will also enjoy visiting
What You See At Belvedere Palace
- Art
- Architecture
- Marble Hall
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About Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vienna's most popular tourist attractions. An incredible Baroque palace that was built in the early 18th century by the renowned architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, having been commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy, who was a successful military leader, art patron and part of the Habsburg dynasty.
Prince Eugene commissioned Hildebrandt to built the palace so he could use it as a summer residence and it's said that Hildebrandt took inspiration from the Palace of Versailles in France and adapted it with Austrian influences. The palace is split into two sections, ‘Upper Belvedere’ and ‘Lower Belvedere’ which are separated by a courtyard and beautifully landscaped gardens.
After Prince Eugene's death in 1736, the palace stayed in the family and eventually came into the ownership of Maria Theresa of Austria, who was perhaps one of the most famous members of the dynasty. It was Maria Theresa and her son, Emperor Joseph II, that decided to open the palace up as a museum and make it accessible to the public.
The palace is split into two sections, with the gardens in between.
- Upper Belvedere: This part of the palace is famous for its incredible architecture, magnificent halls, and the grand staircase. The ‘Marble Hall’ and the ‘Marble Gallery’ are particularly noteworthy for their opulent design and impressive frescoes. Empress Maria Theresa turned the space into an exhibition venue for some of the royal art collections.
- Lower Belvedere: Originally used as a living space by Prince Eugene, this part of the palace includes the ornate ‘Marble Hall’, the ‘Hall of Grotesques’, and the ‘Orangery’. The Lower Belvedere also now hosts various temporary exhibitions during the year.
- Gardens: The beautifully landscaped Baroque gardens between the Upper and Lower Belvedere are a highlight. They feature ornate fountains, sculptures, and manicured flower beds and shouldn't be missed.
Art Collections at Belvedere Palace
- Austrian Gallery Belvedere: The Upper Belvedere houses the Austrian Gallery, which boasts an extensive collection of Austrian art, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- Klimt Collection: The palace is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt, including the iconic painting "The Kiss." The collection is one of the main attractions for art enthusiasts.
- Other Notable Works: You can also see works by other prominent artists such as Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and various masters of the Biedermeier period.
- Special Exhibitions: The Belvedere regularly hosts special exhibitions as well which feature international and Austrian artists. The exhibitions often explore various themes and artistic movements, making each visit unique.
- Belvedere 21 Museum: Belvedere 21 Contemporary Art Museum is the new modernist building on the estate that is home to a collection of modern and contemporary art from both Viennese and international artists. The collection includes the indoor space and an outdoor sculpture garden.
The palace is spread over around 17 hectares (42 acres), so to enjoy it all, you need to spend a good few hours exploring it, including the palace gardens, the orangery and the rest of the facilities. However please remember, separate tickets are required for the two palaces.