Belvedere Palace | A Masterpiece of Baroque Elegance in Vienna
Belvedere Palace stands as a remarkable symbol of Vienna’s rich heritage, seamlessly blending art, architecture, and imperial grandeur. Dating back to the 18th century, this Baroque masterpiece comprises the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, the Orangery, and the Palace Stables, each adorned with intricate details and exquisite sculptures.
Explore the fascinating history, architectural splendor, and essential visitor information to make the most of your visit to this iconic landmark.
Why Visit Belvedere Palace?
Rich Historical Legacy: Constructed in the 18th century, Belvedere Palace was commissioned by Austrian military leader Prince Eugene of Savoy as a lavish summer retreat, reflecting the grandeur of the Baroque era.
Timeless Artifacts: The palace preserves a stunning collection of medieval and Baroque-era art, including Prince Eugene's intricately crafted stucco war trophies in the Marble Gallery and captivating grotesque paintings adorning the walls and ceilings.
Renowned Art Collection: Home to the world’s most extensive collection of Gustav Klimt’s masterpieces, including The Kiss and Judith, Belvedere Palace also showcases Austrian Baroque, French Impressionist, and Viennese Biedermeier artworks, along with notable pieces from early 20th-century Vienna.
UNESCO World Heritage Recognition: As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Belvedere Palace offers an unparalleled cultural experience, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Egon Schiele and Vincent van Gogh.
Belvedere Palace Highlights
Belvedere Palace is a treasure trove of Austrian heritage, offering a deep dive into the country’s royal history and artistic legacy. Here are the top highlights that make this landmark a must-visit.
Upper Belvedere
Following the passing of Prince Eugene, Empress Maria Theresa acquired the palace complex and transformed the Upper Belvedere into an exhibition space for the imperial art collection. This visionary move established one of the world’s first public museums, setting a precedent for art appreciation in Austria.
Lower Belvedere
Originally serving as Prince Eugene’s private residence, the Lower Belvedere marked the transition between the grand Baroque estate and the imperial heart of Vienna. Today, it stands as a world-class museum, displaying remarkable artworks and historical exhibits.
Belvedere 21 Museum
A hub for contemporary creativity, Belvedere 21 houses Austria’s post-World War II modern art collection, known as the Artothek des Bundes. Visitors can admire sculptures by renowned artists such as Lois Weinberger and Leopold Kessler, while the 1950s-style Blickle Kino cinema showcases thought-provoking art films.
Exhibitions & Collections
Belvedere Palace hosts an ever-evolving array of exhibitions, featuring masterpieces from various artistic movements. From the Realist paintings of the late 19th century to the avant-garde expressions that shaped modern art, the museum’s collection spans centuries, including exquisite medieval craftsmanship.
Orangery
Originally designed as a heated greenhouse for citrus trees, the Orangery underwent multiple transformations over the years. In 1805, it was repurposed as stables before evolving into the sleek, modern exhibition space known today as the white cube, where contemporary art takes center stage.
Plan Your Visit to Belvedere Palace
Opening Hours
- Upper Belvedere: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Lower Belvedere: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Belvedere 21 Museum: Tuesday to Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Late Night Opening: Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Note: Open on Mondays if it falls on a public holiday.
How to Get There
Upper Belvedere
Address: Upper Belvedere, Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna
- By Car: 11.9 miles from Vienna International Airport
- Nearest parking: Busparkplatz
- By Tram & S-Bahn: Tram D, 18, O
- Nearest station: Quartier Belvedere
- By Bus: Bus 69A
- Stop: Arsenal
Lower Belvedere
Address: Lower Belvedere, Rennweg 6, 1030 Vienna
- By Car: 11.9 miles from Vienna International Airport
- Nearest parking: Garage Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere & PARKAPARTMENTS AM BELVEDERE
- By Tram: Tram 71, D
- Nearest stations: Unteres Belvedere, Gußhaustraße
- By Bike: Parking available at the Rennweg entrance
Belvedere 21 Museum
Address: Belvedere 21, Arsenalstraße 1, 1030 Vienna
- By Car: 11.9 miles from Vienna International Airport
- Nearest parking: Busparkplatz
- By Tram & S-Bahn: Tram D, 18, O
- Nearest station: Quartier Belvedere
- By Bus: Bus 69A
- Stop: Arsenal
Entrances
- Upper Belvedere Entrance: Enter via Sala Terrena, a grand white lobby with a stucco ceiling, elegant arches, and sculpted pillars, leading directly to the Grand Staircase.
- Lower Belvedere Entrance: Located conveniently for visitors arriving by tram or metro.
- Orangery Entrance: A beautiful alternative entrance through the landscaped gardens featuring fountains and sculptures.
Facilities
- Accessibility: The palace is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators. Wheelchairs are available upon request.
- Cafés & Dining: Schlosscafé, Park Café, and Lucy Bar serve a variety of snacks, meals, and beverages.
- Cloakroom: Outerwear, umbrellas, rucksacks, and large bags must be stored in the cloakroom. Suitcases are not permitted inside.
- Lost & Found: Lost items can be retrieved from the cloakroom, while valuables such as mobile phones and wallets are kept at the security desk.
- Photography: Photos and videos are permitted for personal use, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed.
Visitor Guidelines
- Large items, including umbrellas, rucksacks, and artifacts, must be left in the cloakroom.
- Visitors must not touch or tamper with artworks, as the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed inside exhibition halls.
- Photography is permitted only for private use, without flash or tripods.
- Parents must supervise children inside the museum.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited within the exhibition areas.
- Except for guide dogs, pets are not allowed inside.
- Visitors must maintain decorum and avoid using mobile phones or speaking loudly.
Helpful Tips
- Audio Guides: Available in German, English, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Ukrainian.
- Wheelchair Assistance: Seating is available in exhibition areas for visitors with mobility needs.
- Best Time to Visit: To avoid crowds, plan your visit outside peak hours (11 AM – 2 PM).
- Headsets: For hygiene reasons, it is recommended to bring personal headphones for audio guides.
- Media Requests: Journalists and researchers should contact the press office for official footage.
Nearby Restaurants
- Art Corner Restaurant (17 m) – Serves a fusion of Greek and Viennese dishes, featuring a seasonal terrace.
- Eloa by Cohen’s (1.0 km) – Offers a selection of Middle Eastern cuisine, with vegetarian-friendly options.
- Stöckl im Park (180 m) – Specializes in Viennese delicacies and craft beer, served in a scenic garden.
- Huber’s (1.6 km) – Traditional Austrian cuisine with an international twist, including vegetarian dishes.
- Fat Monk Quartier Belvedere (1.1 km) – Known for its customizable bowls and homemade beverages.