Everything You Need To Know About Belvedere Palace Art Collection & Exhibitions
The Belvedere at Vienna is one of the most renowned museums in the world and is also known to house eclectic contemporary art. The three zones of the museum- the Lower Belvedere, the Upper Belvedere, and the Belvedere 21, collectively house over 800 years of art history. The two palaces (Lower and Upper Belvedere) have a permanent collection, including landmark pieces of Viennese Modernism and temporary exhibitions depending on when you visit. In addition to its art, the Belvedere is famous for its Stables, Gardens and Baroque architecture, making it a must-visit in Vienna. Read on to learn more about how to make the most of your trip to the Belvedere.
Top 10 Belvedere Palace Tips & Hacks
1. Take your time to explore
Make sure you have around 5 hours handy for a trip to the Belvedere, as each of the three zones housing the permanent collections would take you an hour each to explore. The temporary exhibitions, gardens and palace stables can be covered in the remaining time.
2. Get an audio tour
Download the Smartify app from the App Store free of cost. With the app, you can scan the image of any of the paintings and get acquainted with its history, without the need for a tour guide. The app is available in multiple languages. You could also scan existing pictures from the comfort of your home after your trip to revisit the history if required.
3. Snack at Cafe Menagerie
Head to this small cafe located within the Upper Belvedere to grab a bite and refuel between your museum browsing. Indulge in the variety of cakes available at the shop, and try to squeeze in a tea/ coffee break as well. Along with the great food, you will also be able to enjoy unmatched views of the Palace.
4. Buy a souvenir at the gift shops
The Belvedere has a well-stocked gift shop where you can pick up items such as jewelry, clothes, books, art collections, stationary, home decor and more. The items are also available for online purchase on the Belvedere website.
5. Don’t miss the Christmas Market
If you happen to be around during the end-of-year holiday season, don’t forget to catch the Christmas markets. Enjoy traditional handicrafts, apparel, and Christmas food, and revel in the festive spirit, with the carols in the background.
6. Visit the Orangery and Palace Gardens
Part of the Lower Belvedere exhibition area, the Orangery was built in the 18th century and is the venue for temporary exhibitions. The Palace Gardens are immaculate and connect the Lower and Upper Belvedere. It is also characterized by its fountains, sculptures and art.
7. Book tickets in advance
Being one of the most visited museums in Austria, the Belvedere tends to get crowded in the holiday season, as well as during weekends and vacations. It is always a good idea to book your tickets online in advance.
8. Explore the exhibitions
The permanent collection is housed at the Upper Belvedere, including the famous Kiss by Gustav Klimt and the temporary exhibitions are generally located in the Lower Belvedere which you can visit when you’re around.
Know more about exhibitions
9. Plan your trip according to the weather
Austria is a great place to visit all year round, barring January and February due to the biting cold. However, if you plan on visiting between December and February, you can catch the famous Christmas markets. If your trip is planned between June to August, you can enjoy the summer sun and cafe culture as well.
Know more about when to visit
10. Avail public transport
The Belvedere is extremely well-connected in terms of public transport, especially by the tram. Even the subway and bus stops are within a ten-minute walking distance from the entrance. Avoid using personal vehicles as the museum does not have on-site parking.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Belvedere Palace Tips & Hacks
A. The Palace is open year-round, and gets crowded during the holiday season. Try visiting early in the day, or post 3 pm to avoid the crowds.
A. The Palace tends to get busy during the holiday season, so it’s always advisable to book your tickets in advance.
A. The Palace has great combo tickets such as 3-in-1 passes, 2-in-1 passes, annual tickets, discounted tickets for students and more, allowing you to save on your ticket prices.
A. Bulky items such as umbrellas, cloaks, and backpacks are not allowed inside the museum, and are required to be stored in the free locker facility.
A. The Palace does not enforce a dress code, however it is recommended to avoid inappropriate clothing.
A. The Palace provides locker facilities, sensory friendly resources for disabled people, audio guides, and wheelchairs on site.
A. Yes, you can visit the Menagerie Cafe at the Upper Belvedere zone of the Palace, Schlosscafé, the Parkcafé or the Lucy Bar for a quick bite.
A. Yes, the Palace has a gift shop that sells artifacts, textiles, books, porcelain art and more, making for great gifting options.
A. Apart from the spectacular art, do make sure to swing by the Palace Stables, the Palace Gardens, and the Blickle Kino - for an authentic 1950’s cinematic experience.
A. Yes, there are restrooms at the Palace, and they are also wheelchair friendly.
A. A guided tour is recommended if you’re interested in learning about the history of the Palace and the artwork installed. Audio guides are also available.
A. Yes, you can purchase skip-the-line tickets to the Belvedere to avoid waiting in queues during busy periods.
A. You could visit the famous Alpengarten, Historic Centre of Vienna, or the Pfarre St. Elizabeth after your trip to the Palace.
A. ID Proof is not mandatory if you have purchased full-price tickets.