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State Hall of the Austrian National Library

State Hall of the Austrian National Library, Vienna: Hours, Address, State Hall of the Austrian National Library Reviews: 4.5/5

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State Hall of the Austrian National Library

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State Hall of the Austrian National Library
4.5
2,831
#9 of 886 things to do in Vienna
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Libraries
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10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
What comes to mind when you think of a library hall? Enter the State Hall of the Austrian National Library and your expectations are guaranteed to be exceeded. The State Hall – built in the 18th century as part of the former Court Library – is a breathtaking 80 metres long and 20 metres high. An intricately decorated dome and numerous frescos provide an imperial flair. This baroque jewel is home to over 200,000 tomes. Four magnificent Venetian globes, each with a diameter of over one metre, provide the finishing touch to the heart of the Austrian National Library.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Inner City
In Vienna's best-known district, pedestrian boulevards Kärntner Strasse and Graben connect you with landmarks such as the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera), Vienna’s iconic Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral) and the vast compound of Hofburg, the Habsburgs’ former Imperial Palace. Peek down side streets such as Annagasse and Weihburggasse, and Graben’s Seilergasse and Habsburggasse, to get a feel for the center. The Imperial Apartments and the refreshingly demystifying Sissi Museum are must-dos at Hofburg. Spacious squares such as Am Hof and Freyung often host beautiful seasonal and antiques markets.
How to get there
  • Herrengasse • 5 min walk
  • Stephansplatz • 5 min walk
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Restaurants
4,026 within 3 miles
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Attractions
843 within 6 miles
Denkmal Kaiser Josef II.
28
148 ftMonuments & Statues
Josephplatz
42
155 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
The Hofburg
12,628
0.1 miSpeciality Museums
Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien
2,289
365 ftHistory Museums
Augustinerkirche
565
489 ftReligious Sites
Neue Burg
215
0.1 miHistory Museums
Sisi Museum
2,862
0.1 miSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Kaiserappartements
233
0.1 miHistoric Sites
Albertina
6,889
0.1 miArt Museums
Dorotheum
107
483 ftArt Galleries
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,831 reviews
Excellent
2,057
Very good
614
Average
114
Poor
31
Terrible
15
Robin B
Melrose, MA68 contributions
Breathtaking Baroque library in Vienna
We were able to take a guided tour of the national library on June 30 right before it closed for a six month renovation. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Vienna: learning about the magnificent baroque frescos (among the finest in the city), statues, globes, secret passages, the odd cataloging system from centuries ago, the Hapsburg family collection forming the basis of the library open to the public today. It wasn’t easy to find the admission desk, but well worth it: the State Hall is not nearly as crowded as other museums in the Hofburg Complex.
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Giacomo G
70 contributions
Impressive
Couples
Located 10 minutes by walk from the Herrengasse metro station. Attraction for people looking for an artistic impact, since it is one room taking maximum 30 minutes for the visit and costing 8 €. I suggest to stop at the near located Cafè Central for a break after the visit.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dirk D
585 contributions
The most impressive room in Vienna
I read somewhere that State Hall is the single most impressive room in all of Vienna and after visiting State Hall I can only confirm this. Pièce de résistance is the collection of frescos on the ceiling in the middle of State Hall. These frescos give the Sistine Chapel a run for its money, it's that impressive. Next to the ceiling, the entire architecture of this room is made with a sense of grandeur. Only downside for me was that it was a bit difficult to find and the relative expensive ticket price for something you will visit a dozen of minutes.
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Need To See It All
Perth, Australia1,088 contributions
Sensational
Amazing library, most beautiful I have seen. The quality of the offering is amazing, and the history is astounding. We were very fortunate to happen upon a day where there was free entry, and there were also free guided tours happening. We couldn't make the tour time that was avialable so opted to walk around ourselves, but were able to overhear some of the explanations which were very very interesting. Worth a tour if you can get one.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lesley B
26 contributions
Beautiful hall, lovely paintings in current exhibition
Eight euro entry fee well spent. Its a great place to pop in to whilst touring the 'bigger' tourist spots or visiting the Albertina as its just next door. Its stunning to look at and very peaceful to wander around. The current exhibition of 'The Emperors Most Beautful Animals' is interesting and the paintings of the animals, birds and insects are exquisite.
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
raymondf80
cork86 contributions
Oh my good grief
Go and see for yourself, but be prepared to be awe struck. Might be the only library you go to where you never even notice the books. It’s magnificent from the renaissance styled ceilings to the historical figures sprayed throughout on pillars and posts. Open the door and open your mind.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MrsDDO
Bellingham, WA103 contributions
Architecture beyond belief.. and some very special globes...
This is a visual treat to overwhelm your senses. Go, and soak it up. Be sure to see the globes. Maybe a little difficult to find, but persevere. Located on a popular tourist walking route.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David D
792 contributions
A beautiful library in one of the outer buildings of the Hofburg.
The State Hall contains two hundred thousand books, enclosed in a beautiful building that showcases beautiful baroque art in the domes and statues. There are chairs and one can sit and admire the splendour, although the old books are sensibly cordoned off from tourists. For those who enjoy beautiful libraries, this is one of the finest.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Misty W
Smyrna, GA141 contributions
A stunning library
If you're a book lover, you can't help but adore this place. It is a beautiful, tranquil spot in a busy city, a wonderful spot right in the center of the touristy area that houses many gorgeous old books, several large ornate globes, and sculptures. At only about $8/person, you can see a great collection in about a half hour to one hour. Highly recommended if you love libraries.
Written November 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Danielmuir
Perth and Kinross, UK74 contributions
Amazing building and interesting exhibition
The state hall is an amazing room with spectacular artwork - well explained with the help of a multimedia display. It's a lovely calm, calming place to visit. There is an interesting exhibition on the subject of early zoos and the exploration of the ruling classes in Vienna of animals, particularly from South America. Plus displays of some incredible old books. Definitely worth a look.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about State Hall of the Austrian National Library
State Hall of the Austrian National Library is open:
  • Tue - Wed 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thu - Thu 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Fri - Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking State Hall of the Austrian National Library tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 13 State Hall of the Austrian National Library tours on Tripadvisor
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