Belvedere Palace Inside | Baroque Architecture & Modern Art

An architectural masterpiece, the Belvedere Palace is a testament to Baroque art and design. The palace complex consists of the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palace, connected by beautifully landscaped gardens. Originally constructed as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, today the Belvedere Palace now houses an impressive collection of Austrian art, including works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. Here's everything you need to know about what is inside the Belvedere Palace complex.

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Belvedere Palace interiors

Not only is the Belvedere an exquisite palace, but also, it showcases Austria's most priceless art collections and architectural elements through several sections.

Upper Belvedere Palace

Following Prince Eugene's death, Empress Maria Theresa renovated the Upper Belvedere to serve as a venue for exhibiting the royal art treasures. One of the oldest public museums in history, the interiors of this palace show off Alexander the Great's victories. The Upper Belvedere also includes the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings in the world, as well as works by Oskar Kokoschka, Egon Schiele, Ferdinand Waldmuller, and other masters of the Art Nouveau movement.

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Lower Belvedere Palace

The Lower Belvedere Palace had been constructed to serve as a residential palace. After 1716, the Lower Belvedere served as a dividing line between the city and the Baroque architectural complex. The lavish ceiling fresco and the oval-shaped plaster medallions in this spacious chamber are its main highlights. Besides, the famous Marble Hall houses hard-won war trophies, statues of imprisoned opponents, and terraces and alcoves intended to provide optical illusions of architectural structures.

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Belvedere 21 Museum

The Belvedere 21 is a space hosting performance interventions, movie screenings, thematic lectures, concerts, and artists' talks. It provides a forum for the neighbourhood's creative community to interact with a supportive audience. Some of the most intriguing modern artworks acquired by the Austrian state since World War II's end are also on display at the Belvedere 21 Museum.

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Belvedere’s Orangery

The Orangery was initially a heated nursery for citrus trees. The construction of Orangerie was exceptional in that its roof and façade could be taken off during the summer. The trees were moved to Schönbrunn Palace's Pomeranzenhaus after Prince Eugene's death. In 1805, the Orangery's retractable roof was renovated and transformed into stables. Later, in order to create a contemporary, white-cube exhibition space, the Orangery's interior was renovated again in 2007.

The Belvedere Gardens

The Belvedere Gardens connect the Upper and Lower Palaces and showcase many statues and fountains. It was created following Hildebrandt's overarching vision of a terraced park with waterfalls and symmetrical staircases bordered by hedges and walks. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the garden and Vienna Woods from the terrace across from Upper Belvedere.

Book Belvedere Palace Vienna tickets

Upper Belvedere Palace Direct Entry Tickets

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Combo (Save 8%): Direct Entry Tickets to Upper and Lower Belvedere Palace

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Upper Belvedere Palace & Gardens Guided Tour with Direct Entry

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1 hr. 30 min.

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Lower Belvedere Palace Direct Entry Tickets

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Belvedere 21: Museum of Contemporary Art Direct Entry Tickets

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Vienna City Card: Unlimited Public Transport & Discounts

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Tips to note when visiting the Belvedere Palace in Vienna

Wear comfortable shoes: Ditch your high heels and fitted boots at home and opt for the most comfortable, closed shoes to tour the Belvedere Palace complex. The complex comprises the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palace, Belvedere's Orangery, and the Belvedere Gardens.
Keep a few hours on hand: The Belvedere Palace is spread over a large area and includes beautifully maintained gardens. The Palace also has a Belvedere 21 Museum nearby displaying contemporary art collections. Keep at least 4 to 5 hours on hand to explore the art collections properly.
Respect photography policies: Be mindful of the palace's photography policies. Do not use flash or block pathways with tripods and selfie sticks. You can apply to the palace’s communications department for a license to record videos or take pictures for research or reporting purposes.
Check for special exhibitions: In addition to its permanent collections, the Belvedere Palace hosts special showcases and temporary exhibitions, featuring different periods and genres. Before booking your Belvedere Palace tickets, check if there are any special exhibitions that you would like to attend.
Explore nearby attractions: When visiting the Palace, make the most of your visit to Vienna by exploring other nearby attractions, such as the historic city center, St. Stephen's Cathedral, or the Naschmarkt, all within easy reach of the Belvedere Palace.

Frequently asked questions about the inside of the Belvedere Palace

What's inside Belvedere Palace Vienna?

The Belvedere Palace is made up of the Lower Belvedere and the Upper Belvedere, which houses most of Austria's significant art collections, including works by Gustave Klimt, Egon Schiele, and many others. The inside of the Palace is also a splendid reminder of the Baroque architecture of the 18th century. The interiors are made up of ornate columns and arches and the walls are filled with intricate mosaics.

Can you tour Belvedere Palace Vienna?

Yes, you can tour the inside of the Belvedere Palace in Vienna with your Belvedere Palace tickets. You can choose between a direct-entry or a combo ticket, depending on your needs. A direct-entry ticket allows you to visit either the Upper or Lower Belvedere Palace, while a combo ticket includes the 2 sections as well as the 21 Museum.

Can you take pictures inside Belvedere Palace Vienna?

Yes, you can take mobile photos inside the Belvedere Palace in Vienna, however, please refrain from using flash or blocking pathways with selfie sticks or tripods. Some sections of the Palace have photography restrictions. Please abide by these rules.

Is it free to view inside the Belvedere Palace Vienna?

No, you must purchase Belvedere Palace Vienna tickets to view the inside of the palace. Depending on your needs, you can choose the direct-entry or the combo tickets.

Who designed Belvedere Palace Vienna?

Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, a renowned Baroque architect, was hired to design the palace in the 18th century. The Belvedere Palace was originally deemed to be the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy.

When was Belvedere Palace Vienna built?

The Lower Belvedere Palace and the Upper Belvedere Palace were built in 1714 and 1724 respectively. Prince Eugene of Savoy commissioned the construction of the Belvedere Palace to use as his summer residence. In the present day, the palace functions as a storehouse of Austrian art pieces from the Middle Ages to contemporary times.

Where is Belvedere Palace Vienna located?

The Belvedere Palace is located at the Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria. The palace is situated in a vibrant area, from where you can visit other attractions like St. Stephen's Cathedral. Hofburg Palace, Albertina Museum, and Schonbrunn Palace.

Is visiting Belvedere Palace Vienna worth it?

Yes, the Belvedere Palace is a UNESCO Heritage site that showcases Austrian art collections from the Middle Ages to contemporary times. The Palace is a testament to the Baroque architecture of the 18th century and features ornate columns, curved arches, and intricate mosaics.