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Belvedere Palace paintings | A comprehensive look into Austrian art & culture

The Belvedere Palace in Vienna houses an invaluable collection of Austrian paintings, including works by Gustav Klimt, Franz Marc, Oskar Kokoschka, and other avant-garde artists. From the golden opulence of Gustav Klimt's paintings to the raw emotion expressed in Egon Schiele's canvases, the Belvedere offers a journey through the evolution of art, from the Baroque era to the dawn of the 20th century.

Why are the Belvedere paintings a must-visit?

Belvedere Palace paintings
  • Home to Gustave Klimt’s masterpieces: The palace houses some of the most iconic works by Gustav Klimt, including his world-famous painting ‘The Kiss’, along with other pieces like ‘Judith’ and ‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II’. ‘The Kiss’ is one of the most celebrated Belvedere Palace paintings, created during the height of Klimt’s ‘Golden Period’.
  • Works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka: The Belvedere also features works by other key figures of Austrian Modernism. Schiele’s expressive and often provocative paintings provide a stark contrast to Klimt’s decorative style, while Kokoschka’s portraits and landscapes offer further insight into the diverse artistic currents of early 20th-century Vienna. 
  • Comprehensive collection of Austrian art: The Belvedere Palace boasts a vast art collection, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. The paintings on display feature works from different periods, including the Baroque, Biedermeier, and Modernist movements. If you want to learn about the evolution of Austrian art and culture, make sure to look through the Belvedere Palace paintings. 
  • Rich historical and cultural context: The Belvedere Palace paintings are not just artistic treasures. A majority of the art collection reflects the social, political, and cultural changes that occurred in Austria over the centuries. 
Upper and Lower Belvedere Palace

Brief history of the Belvedere Palace art collection

Today, Belvedere Palace is a symbol of art in Vienna, but it wasn't always the case. The Palace was originally built in the 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, with Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, a prominent architect of the time, designing the Palace.

The Upper Belvedere had a representative function and was an imperial painting gallery. After Prince Eugene's death, the Palace was opened to the public and became one of the world's first public art museums. Fast forward to today, it houses Gustav Klimt's incredible artworks, including 'The Kiss' and 'Judith,' masterpieces by Schiele and Kokoschka, and important works of French Impressionism and the Vienna Biedermeier era.

Similarly, in 1903, the Lower Belvedere was also opened as a modern gallery. Today, it is used for temporary exhibitions.

​Belvedere Palace history

Frequently asked questions about Belvedere Palace paintings

Why are Belvedere Palace paintings important?

The Belvedere Palace art collection in Vienna pays homage to centuries-old artworks, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including masterpieces by Schiele, Klimt, Renoir, and others. If you love art and history, make sure to visit the Palace complex and admire its paintings, sculptures, and Baroque architectural elements.

Do I need tickets to visit the Belvedere Palace art collection?

Yes, you need Belvedere Palace tickets to view the paintings. If you are interested in specific eras, you can purchase direct entry tickets to either the Upper or Lower Belvedere Palace. You can also purchase Belvedere combo tickets, that include access to the entire Belvedere complex and the 21 Museum.

How old are the Belvedere Palace paintings?

The Belvedere Palace art collection spans several centuries, with Baroque pieces dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when Prince Eugene of Savoy began acquiring artworks to adorn his residence. Klimt and Schiele's masterpieces are from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Lower Belvedere and 21 Museum also showcase more recent and diverse paintings by contemporary artists.

How many paintings are on display at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna?

Almost 18,600 art pieces are on display at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna. The Upper Belvedere complex highlights artworks from the Middle Ages to the 17th and 18th centuries. The Lower Belvedere Palace and Belvedere 21 Museum highlight contemporary artworks and paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. They also host temporary exhibitions, highlighting contemporary social and political developments and how artists interact with these changes.

What is special about the Belvedere Palace Klimt collection?

The Belvedere Palace Klimt collection is unique because it showcases some of his best artworks along with pieces by those who inspired him or took inspiration from his style. Painted between 1907 and 1908, 'The Kiss' is a quintessential example of Klimt's distinctive style, detailed with luxurious gold leaves and symbolic imagery. Furthermore, Klimt was commissioned to create decorative paintings for the palace's ceremonial halls during the early 20th century, establishing him as a key contributor to the palace's artistic legacy.

What are the Belvedere Palace timings?

The Upper Belvedere Palace is open from 9 am to 6 pm throughout the week 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. It is open until 9 pm on Thursday and remains open on Mondays only during public holidays or special occasions.

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About Belvedere Palace

About Belvedere Palace

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Belvedere Palace opening hours

Belvedere Palace opening hours

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