24 - 24Shares
The State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek) was built in 1723 and is considered by many to be the most beautiful library hall in the world. Holding approximately 200,000 books, this library in the heart of Vienna is open for guests to explore. Admission is 7 Euros per person or 12,50 per family.
It was definitely a challenge bringing a curious and loud kiddo into the library hall, but he was as good as could be expected :) He knows to be quiet in libraries, so that was in our favor, but he also wanted to TOUCH everything. Luckily my husband knew how special this place was to me and basically held him the whole time so I could swing from the ladders like Belle from Beauty and the Beast. (Just kidding, that will get you kicked out.)
The gorgeous artwork on the ceiling (frescos) were painted by the court painter Daniel Gran and completed in 1730.
Most of the patrons exploring the library were a few decades older than us, but I think this incredible library is something that can be enjoyed by any age. Well, maybe if you have a wiggly or loud baby I would suggest taking turns with your partner so you both can enjoy it without glares from the security guards.
There are many illustrated tomes on display and it reminded me of the Book of Kells and other ancient texts on display at the Trinity College in Dublin. (The oldest books in this museum date back to the 4th century.) I wish I could have held them!
I also really loved these enormous globes. There are terrestrial and celestial globes from the 16th-18th centuries. Amazing.
Such an incredible experience and I hope that you can visit the Austrian National Library if you are ever in Vienna!
You can find my other posts on Vienna here:
The Giant Ferris Wheel in Vienna
The Museum of Natural History | Vienna
What is your favorite part of visiting old libraries? Do you love it as much as I do?!
24 - 24Shares
Very nice. I visited Vienna several years ago and somehow missed this!
Well if you are ever back I hope you get to stop by the library!
Wow, that’s an awesome library! I can live there for days–or even months–just finding and reading interesting books. If only we also have a national library like that, I think my friends will also enjoy visiting it than cafes. The architecture is super articulate and detailed. This place is truly special!
I thought it was amazing too! There is even a separate area that can be reserved for events, that used to be a reading room.
Oh my goodness, you photos are so gorgeous!!! I love all the colors…how cool!
Thanks so much! I got a new camera for christmas and it focuses so much better than my old one!
Wow, the state hall is STUNNING. As an English teacher, I am always drawn to beautiful places that are adorned with books. I think it is so great that you brought your son, since culture can be enjoyed at any age. I must admit that if I was him, it would have been so difficult resisting the urge to spin that massive globe.
Isn’t stunning?! It was hard even for me to resist spinning the globes ;)
Wonderful photos Jamie! I’ve stayed in Vienna many times and never went to this library. Thanks for showing us Austria’s historical treasure. Awe inspiring ceilings and architecture and calligraphy in those old old books. Good for you guys!
Thanks Beth! It was so cool to be there. Good thing I saw it on Pinterest before we went haha
If I ever visit, I’m bringing an air mattress and never leaving. That library is utter perfection.
Haha I got a good laugh from that comment, Lisa! I felt the same way :)
WOW – beautiful. I’m in awe. I would love to visit a library like this. I think I’d have a hard leaving! By the way, your pictures are amazing. I’m not sure I could keep my 4 year old quiet enough, but I think he would enjoy it also. He would love the globes!
Thanks Amy! Yeah that preschool age is so close to being able to be “good” in situations like that, but you just never know, so I’m always nervous lol
These photos are BREATHTAKING! You hit the nail on the head, too – this totally made me think of Belle from Beauty and the Beast! I am so jealous! What an amazing experience! :) I’m a total bookworm and could have spent hours here, easily!
I totally need to buy Beauty and the Beast so I can watch it ALL THE TIME like I did when I was 8 :) I wish we could have stayed longer, but I felt like my son was a ticking time bomb!
Wow! What incredible architecture right? This library looks straight out of a movie from way back when. I studied art history in school so I would love to see something like this in person. Those statues, the old school ladders getting up to the top shelves – so compelling.
The architecture was awesome! I don’t know much about art history, but it was all so beautiful and we sure enjoyed it :)
Look at all the books!! I love the artwork on the ceilings; I always have loved the architecture. The statues also add to the history of it all nicely. Looks like an amazing place to visit.
The artwork on the ceiling was so beautiful, even my son could appreciate it! Thanks for reading :)
Omg!!!! This library looks absolutely incredible!!!!! So gorgeous and omg look at all those books! This is totally the kinda place I would love to just get lost in and ahhhh…. I just love everything about this
Thanks Courtney! It really was incredible!
Wow, the Austrian National Library is simply breathe taking. Never thought I would say that about a library before, but seriously. WOW! That book is the coolest thing since slice bread aswell! I would like to go there and just stare at all the things around me and forget I was even there to get a book, lol.
I really wish I could have stayed longer just to enjoy the atmosphere and look around. Maybe next time when my son is older :)
The photos are awe inspiring to me. I adore history, because I enjoy learning about all the people that were there and touched all these items. It seems to me there is an energy that has left an indelible imprint on all these books, globes and artwork. Each person that came before, and especially the artists that created these pieces of history bring and leave a part of their passions behind that is an element of the enjoyment. I’m sure this will be a cherished memory.
Yes it was just full of history, so cool to be standing there in the middle of it all. Thanks for reading!
This looks like such a wonderful library. It reminds me of Bell’s from Beauty and the Beast. I would love to be able to come here one day if I were to ever find myself in the area.
I hope you can, Victoria! I definitely recommend it if you get to Vienna one day :)
OMG. All those books though.. I love it! I love books! I want library like that, just for me and only me. Lol I love reading and think book are always so amazing! It looks so beautiful there! I would love to visit there! =)
I would love for it to be all mine too! Haha maybe one day ;)
Jamie – it is beautiful!! I thought of Beauty and the Beast too. I could spend a lifetime in that library and never need to leave.
Thanks Holly! When I saw that they hold events in one of the rooms, I imagined a dream wedding lol
I never actually went in here on the several trips I’ve made to Vienna. Is there space to sit around and take it in and hang out for a while with your own book? It strikes me as a place I’d rather stick around than rush through, if I were going to visit next time I’m in town.
I don’t believe there are chairs for hanging out, but visitors are welcome to stay as long as they like. The State Hall is just one of the buildings that make up the Austrian National Library. I hope you find a cozy spot to enjoy the atmosphere!
Amazing post.Pictures are so magnificent.Thanks for the post.Keep sharing.