About Belvedere Palace | Explore Vienna’s Crown Jewel

About

Quick information

ADDRESS

Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

Timings

9 AM - 6 PM

VISITORS PER YEAR

1500000

TICKETS

From € 14.60

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

2001

Plan your visit

Fun facts

The ‘Battle of the Kiss’: During World War II, most of the valuable artworks from the Belvedere collection, including Gustav Klimt's iconic painting ‘The Kiss,’ were evacuated to prevent them from being damaged or stolen by Nazi forces. This daring rescue mission, known as the ‘Battle of the Kiss,’ involved transporting the artworks to various hiding places throughout Austria.

Historic events: Over the centuries, the Belvedere Palace has been the setting for numerous diplomatic gatherings. It has hosted visits from emperors, kings, and other dignitaries, as well as lavish balls, receptions, and cultural celebrations. Today, the palace serves as a venue for prestigious events and exhibitions, maintaining its status as a cultural hub in Vienna.

Home to cultural institutions: The Belvedere Palace complex is home to several cultural institutions, including the Austrian Gallery Belvedere, which houses an extensive collection of Austrian art, ranging from medieval masterpieces to contemporary works. The palace also hosts concerts, lectures, and educational programs, further enriching Vienna's cultural landscape.

More interesting facts

History of Belvedere Palace

The history of the Belvedere Palace goes back to the 17th century when the Prince of Eugene commissioned Baroque Architect, Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, to build a summer residence. The construction work for the summer residence began in 1712, in what is today the Lower Belvedere, while the construction of Upper Belvedere began in 1717.

Prince Eugene also commissioned, Carlo Carlone, a pioneer of the Rococo style to paint the fresco ceiling of the Marble Hall. However soon after the Prince died in 1736, the museum was acquired by his niece, Maria Theresa, who converted the Upper Belvedere into one of the first public museums in the world.

In 1908, the Imperial Ministry of Culture acquired the Palace’s most renowned pieces of Art- Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. In 1845, during World War II, the Belvedere Palace became severely damaged and had to undergo renovation. The latest addition to the Belvedere Palace, the Belvedere 21 was built by the architect Karl Schwanze for the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels.

Who built the Belvedere Palace?

The stunning Belvedere Palace was built by the Austrian Baroque architect, Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt. Johann’s work has a strong influence on the architecture of Central and Southern Europe. He was inspired by the architectural era in France of Louis XIV. Some of his other works of prominence include the Schonborn Castle near Gollersdorf, Schönborn Castle near Göllersdorf, and the episcopal residence at Wurzburg, Ger.

Frequently asked questions about the Belvedere Palace

What is the Belvedere Palace?

The Belvedere Palace is a historical complex building that served as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 17th century. The Palace now houses some famous art wonders from prominent artists.

Where is the Belvedere Palace?

The Belvedere Palace is situated in Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria. The Palace is located around 3 kilometers away from the city center.

What is Belvedere Palace famous for?

The Belvedere Palace is famous for its Baroque-style architecture and 800-year history. The Belvedere Palace also houses some of the famous masterpieces by Klimt, van Gogh, Messerschmidt, Funke, and Schiele.

Why should I visit the Belvedere Palace?

If you are interested in Baroque architecture and Austrian art, dating from medieval times to the present day, you must visit the Belvedere Palace. It is filled with ornate rooms like the Marble Hall and houses iconic art pieces by Gustave Klimt, Funke, Schiele, and more.

How do I book tickets to Belvedere Palace?

We recommend you purchase Belvedere Palace tickets online to save time and money. Online ticket bookings are also convenient and you can skip ahead of long lines on the day of your visit.

How much does it cost to visit Belvedere Palace?

You can choose between direct entry or Belvedere Palace combo tickets. With direct entry tickets, you can visit any particular level inside the palace, like either the Upper or Lower Belvedere Palace or just the Belvedere 21 Museum. They start from €14.60. The combo tickets start from €28.17 and include access to both the levels and the 21 Museum, depending on the ticket option you choose.

Who designed the Belvedere Palace?

The Belvedere Palace was designed by Baroque Architect, Johann Lukas von Hildebrand. The Palace was originally built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy.

What are the Belvedere Palace's opening hours?

The Upper Belvedere Palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM and the Lower Belvedere Palace is open from 10 AM to 6 PM from Monday to Sunday. The Belvedere 21 Museum is open from 11 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. On Thursday, the 21 Museum is open until 9 PM. Only during holidays, the 21 Museum is open on Mondays.

What famous artworks are present in Belvedere Palace?

Some of the famous artists whose works are on display at the Belvedere Palace include Klimt, Messerschmidt, Van Gogh, Schiele, and Funke. The Kiss by Gustav Klimt is the most renowned piece of art which is on display in the Belvedere Palace.