Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

The beautiful baroque library of the Hapsburg empire

Category Eccentric Homes, Repositories of Knowledge

The Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (Austrian National Library) is a breathtaking baroque masterpiece, finished in 1726. Formerly the court library to the Hapsburgs, it is one of the world's major libraries, with an extraordinary collection that dates back to the 14th century. The current collection contains around 2.5 million books.

Visitors can also visit many special collections, which include prints, maps, papyri, portraits, music and theater. But the magnificent library itself is the focal point here. Among the exhibits are two exquisite Venetian baroque globes: one for the earth and one for the sky, each with a diameter of more than one meter. Keep your eye out for library employees slipping through concealed passages behind certain bookcases.

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  • Hours Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10-6, Thurs: 10-9pm, Closed Mondays
  • Address Josefsplatz 1, Vienna, Austria
  • Cost 5 Euro
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