Belvedere Palace Tickets and Tours

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Belvedere Palace: Vienna's Baroque Architectural Gem

Belvedere Palace in Vienna is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, known for its grandeur and exquisite detail. Constructed in the late 17th century for Prince Eugene of Savoy, this remarkable complex consists of two main palaces—the Upper and Lower Belvedere—separated by beautifully designed gardens.

The Upper Belvedere, with its iconic Baroque façade and towering domes, is home to an impressive collection of Austrian art, including masterpieces by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Meanwhile, the Lower Belvedere showcases works from 19th and 20th-century artists, offering a broader perspective on Austrian artistic history.

As you explore the palaces, you’ll be captivated by their luxurious interiors, with ornate frescoes and detailed stucco decorations adorning the walls. The Marble Hall, located in the Upper Belvedere, stands out as a highlight with its awe-inspiring beauty and intricate design. A visit to the Belvedere Palace offers a unique opportunity to experience Vienna’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

What is the Belvedere Palace?

The Belvedere Palace is one of Europe’s most remarkable architectural masterpieces, located in the heart of Vienna. Vienna’s history can be traced back to ancient Roman and Celtic settlements, but the city truly flourished during the Baroque era in the 17th century, embracing the style's grandeur in its architecture and gardens.

In the early 18th century, the renowned Baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt was tasked with designing a summer residence for the celebrated Austrian general, Prince Eugene of Savoy. Following Prince Eugene’s passing, Empress Maria Theresa purchased the Belvedere Palace. She transformed the Upper Belvedere into a space to showcase the imperial art collections, establishing one of the world’s earliest public museums.

Today, the Belvedere Palace stands as a testament to Vienna’s rich cultural heritage, blending architectural splendor with historical significance.

Belvedere Palace Architecture

The Belvedere Palace is celebrated for its exquisite Baroque architecture, which embodies the grandeur and elegance of 17th-century design. This iconic structure was crafted by the renowned architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. In 1718, French garden architect Dominique Girard was commissioned to design the Baroque gardens. His mastery in landscaping and water features is beautifully evident in the palace's harmonious outdoor spaces.

The Upper Belvedere’s Marble Hall is adorned with a breathtaking ceiling fresco by Carlo Carlone, a prominent figure in the Rococo art movement. Additionally, the modern extension of the complex, Belvedere 21, was designed by Karl Schwanzer and serves as a symbol of post-war modernist architecture.

From its intricate gardens to its artistic interiors, the Belvedere Palace remains a timeless masterpiece, blending historical opulence with architectural innovation.

Belvedere Palace Highlights

Upper Belvedere

The Upper Belvedere is home to one of Austria’s most renowned art collections, with a strong emphasis on 19th and 20th-century masterpieces. Among the highlights are Gustav Klimt’s iconic works, including "The Kiss" and "Judith," alongside notable paintings by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. This section offers a journey through Austrian art history, featuring some of the country's most celebrated artists.

Lower Belvedere

The Lower Belvedere showcases an eclectic mix of exhibitions, blending historical and modern perspectives. Visitors can enjoy rotating temporary exhibitions that highlight international artists as well as thematic displays exploring various facets of art and cultural heritage. This space provides an engaging platform for both historical context and innovative artistic exploration.

Belvedere 21 – Museum of Contemporary Art

Belvedere 21, originally constructed as a pavilion for the 1958 World Exhibition, is now a vibrant hub for contemporary art. As part of the Belvedere complex, this museum presents a wide range of works from both Austrian and international artists. With its focus on modern creativity and thought-provoking themes, Belvedere 21 offers a fresh perspective within Vienna’s rich artistic landscape.

Who Built the Belvedere Palace?

The magnificent Belvedere Palace was designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, a prominent Austrian Baroque architect whose work profoundly shaped the architectural landscape of Central and Southern Europe. Hildebrandt drew inspiration from the grandiose style of Louis XIV’s era in France, incorporating its elegance and opulence into his creations.

In addition to the Belvedere Palace, his notable works include Schönborn Castle near Göllersdorf and the Episcopal Residence in Würzburg, Germany. His architectural legacy reflects a harmonious blend of artistic sophistication and functional design, making him a key figure in the evolution of Baroque architecture.

Timeline of Belvedere Palace

  • 1712: Architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt is tasked with designing the Lower Belvedere Palace, marking the beginning of the palace's construction.
  • 1717: Construction of the Upper Belvedere Palace commences after the completion of the Lower Belvedere.
  • 1736: Following the death of Prince Eugene at the City Palace, without a will, the Belvedere estate passes to his niece, Princess Victoria.
  • 1752: Empress Maria Theresa, the sole female ruler of Austria, inherits the Belvedere estate, further cementing its significance.
  • 1770: Belvedere Palace hosts the grand wedding of Maria Antoinette, daughter of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Francis I, to French King Louis XVI.
  • 1781: The Upper Belvedere opens the Picture Gallery, establishing itself as one of the world’s first public museums.
  • 1896: The museum within the Upper Belvedere is closed for renovations and repurposed as the residence for Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the throne.
  • 1912: The Modern Gallery is renamed the Austrian Gallery and becomes the home to some of Austria’s most important and celebrated artworks.

What’s Inside the Belvedere Palace?

The interior of the Belvedere Palace is as captivating as its exterior, featuring some of Austria’s most prestigious art collections. Among these masterpieces are:

Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss

In 1908, the Imperial Ministry of Culture and Education acquired Gustav Klimt’s iconic The Kiss. This painting depicts Klimt alongside his muse, Emilie Flöge, encapsulating the themes of love and passion. The subtle sensual energy between the two figures makes it a truly unforgettable artwork and a must-see during any visit to the Belvedere Palace.

Character Heads by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt

Displayed on the first floor of the Upper Belvedere, Franz Xaver Messerschmidt’s Character Heads consists of 16 striking sculptures. These avant-garde expressions are believed by some to reflect the artist’s personal struggles, possibly stemming from mental health issues, while others view them as an extraordinary display of his creative vision and talent.

The Marble Hall

Once used for ceremonial functions, the Marble Hall is an architectural gem that highlights Prince Eugene’s achievements as a military leader. Today, it also offers a magnificent view of Vienna, making it one of the most stunning rooms in the palace.

Exploring the Belvedere Palace offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a rich collection of art and history, all set within a breathtaking architectural space.

The Belvedere Palace is a historic building complex that once served as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 18th century. Today, it houses a prestigious collection of art from renowned artists, making it a significant cultural landmark.

The Belvedere Palace is located at Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna, Austria, approximately 3 kilometers from the city center, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Belvedere Palace is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and its 800-year history. The palace also showcases iconic masterpieces from celebrated artists like Gustav Klimt, Vincent van Gogh, Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, Egon Schiele, and others.

If you appreciate Baroque architecture and Austrian art, the Belvedere Palace is a must-visit. The palace is home to exquisite rooms, including the Marble Hall, and displays famous works by artists like Klimt, Schiele, and Funke, offering a deep dive into art history.

To save time and avoid long queues, it’s recommended to book your Belvedere Palace tickets online. Online booking also provides convenience and sometimes discounted rates, ensuring a smooth visit.

The Belvedere Palace was designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, a prominent Baroque architect. The palace was initially built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy.

Upper Belvedere Palace: 9 AM - 6 PM Lower Belvedere Palace: 10 AM - 6 PM Belvedere 21 Museum: 11 AM - 6 PM (Tuesday to Sunday, open until 9 PM on Thursdays). The 21 Museum is also open on Mondays during holidays.

Belvedere Palace displays works from famous artists such as Gustav Klimt, Vincent van Gogh, Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, Egon Schiele, and Funke. The most iconic piece on display is The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

Yes, Belvedere Palace is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges. Two elevators provide easy access to the Upper Belvedere Palace, while the Lower Belvedere features wide ramps for easy navigation. Additionally, the palace is equipped with accessible restrooms for your convenience.

Photography is permitted for the palace’s exterior and ornate facades. However, inside, photography is restricted in certain areas, particularly around paintings and artifacts. Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed within the palace premises. Mobile phone photography is the only form permitted inside.

The ideal time to visit Belvedere Palace is from April to June and September to October. These months offer mild weather, making it pleasant to explore the palace and its beautiful gardens. Additionally, visitor numbers tend to be lower during these months, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

Belvedere Palace is celebrated for its stunning Baroque architecture and extensive art collection. Both the Upper and Lower Belvedere feature exquisite decorations and artworks from the medieval period to contemporary times. Art enthusiasts should not miss the Belvedere 21 Museum for modern art exhibitions. Iconic works such as Gustav Klimt's The Kiss and Egon Schiele’s masterpieces are highlights of the collection.

To fully experience the Belvedere Palace, including the Upper and Lower Palaces and the Belvedere 21 Museum, plan to spend around 5 to 6 hours. This will give you ample time to explore the vast collections and admire the architecture and art in detail.