The Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace is a historic architectural complex in Vienna, Austria, originally built as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the most distinguished military commanders in European history. 

Comprising the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, Orangery, Belvedere Gardens, and the Belvedere 21 Museum, the palace complex stands as a pinnacle of Baroque design and houses one of the most significant art collections in Austria.

Belvedere Palace welcomes millions of art and history lovers each year, so booking your tickets in advance is a smart move. The Upper Belvedere ticket includes Klimt’s The Kiss, while the Lower Belvedere ticket grants access to historic rooms and temporary exhibitions. For modern art lovers, the Belvedere 21 ticket is a great choice. Want to learn more? Join a guided tour for expert insights and stories.

Historical Background of the Belvedere

Construction of the Belvedere Palace began in the early 18th century under the commission of Prince Eugene of Savoy. 

The design was entrusted to the renowned Baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. 

Work on the Lower Belvedere started in 1712, while construction of the Upper Belvedere began in 1717 and was completed in 1723. 

The palace was never intended as a royal residence; instead, it served as a retreat and a display of the prince’s power, status, and artistic tastes.

After Prince Eugene’s death in 1736, the palace changed hands several times. By the late 18th century, it had become an imperial property. 

The Upper Belvedere began functioning as a gallery of Austrian art in the 19th century, a function it continues to serve today. 

The Austrian State Treaty, which re-established Austria’s sovereignty after World War II, was signed in the Upper Belvedere in 1955, further cementing the palace’s place in national history.

Architectural Style of the Belvedere

Belvedere Palace is a textbook example of High Baroque architecture, characterized by dramatic forms, elaborate ornamentation, and a keen emphasis on perspective and theatricality. 

The Upper and Lower Belvedere were built with perfect visual symmetry, connected by formal gardens that enhance the sense of grandeur and spatial harmony.

The façades of both palaces feature decorative sculptures, pilasters, and curved gables, while the interiors are adorned with stucco work, frescoes, marble accents, and elaborate ceiling paintings. 

The architectural elements were designed to impress visitors and reflect the wealth and influence of Prince Eugene.

The Belvedere Complex: Main Sections

Upper Belvedere Palace

The Upper Belvedere is the larger of the two palaces and was designed to serve as a ceremonial space rather than a residence. 

Today, it is the centerpiece of the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere and houses an extensive collection of Austrian art spanning the Middle Ages to the present day.

The building itself is a masterpiece, with monumental staircases, painted ceilings, and marble halls that exemplify Baroque extravagance. 

One of the most historically significant spaces within the Upper Belvedere is the Marble Hall, where the Austrian State Treaty was signed in 1955.

Lower Belvedere Palace

The Lower Belvedere was completed earlier and served as Prince Eugene’s residential quarters. 

It features a more intimate scale and houses several historic rooms such as the Marble Gallery, the Golden Room, and the Hall of Grotesques. 

These rooms are notable for their decorative elements and provide insight into the private life and tastes of Prince Eugene.

Today, the Lower Belvedere is primarily used for hosting temporary exhibitions that often complement the permanent displays found in the Upper Belvedere.

Belvedere 21 Museum

Located a short distance from the historic palaces, Belvedere 21 is a modern art museum that focuses on Austrian and international contemporary art. 

The building was originally constructed by Karl Schwanzer for the 1958 Brussels World Exhibition and relocated to Vienna in the early 1960s.

This sleek, glass-and-steel structure stands in stark contrast to the Baroque design of the main palace but serves as an integral part of the Belvedere’s commitment to showcasing art across all eras. 

It features rotating exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural programs that attract a younger, contemporary audience.

The Belvedere Orangery

Originally built as a greenhouse for citrus trees during the colder months, the Orangery is now repurposed as an exhibition space. 

It hosts various art exhibitions and installations, often linked to the temporary exhibitions at the Lower Belvedere. 

The Orangery’s long, rectangular structure and large windows make it ideal for displaying large-scale modern artworks.

The Belvedere Gardens

The Belvedere Gardens stretch between the Upper and Lower Palaces and are a highlight of Baroque landscape architecture. 

Designed in the formal French style, the gardens feature a symmetrical layout with cascading fountains, sculptures, trimmed hedges, and flowerbeds.

The garden is divided into three terraces: the lower, middle, and upper levels, symbolizing the ascent from the mundane to the divine. 

Sculptural groups representing mythological and allegorical figures are placed strategically throughout the garden to emphasize movement and grandeur.

Art Collections of the Belvedere

The Belvedere’s art collection is among the most prestigious in Central Europe. The Upper Belvedere is best known for housing the world’s largest collection of paintings by Gustav Klimt, including his masterpiece The Kiss, which draws thousands of visitors each year.

The collection also includes works by Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, and Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller. 

Apart from Austrian artists, the museum features international pieces by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Auguste Rodin.

The key art periods represented;

• Medieval religious art from Austria
  
• Baroque works by artists like Johann Michael Rottmayr
  
• Biedermeier and Romantic paintings of the 19th century
  
• Vienna Secession and Art Nouveau, especially Klimt and Schiele
  
• Contemporary art at Belvedere 21
  

Interiors of the Belvedere Palace

The palace interiors offer a breathtaking glimpse into Baroque and Rococo aesthetics. 

In the Marble Hall of the Upper Belvedere, visitors are greeted by high ceilings, Corinthian columns, and dramatic ceiling frescoes. 

The Golden Cabinet in the Lower Belvedere features ornate gilded paneling and mirrors, reflecting the luxurious tastes of the early 18th-century aristocracy.

The Hall of Grotesques, also in the Lower Belvedere, is unique for its whimsical ceiling and wall decorations inspired by ancient Roman motifs. 

These interiors are preserved and restored with great care to provide an authentic historical experience.

Events and Seasonal Attractions at Belvedere

Throughout the year, the Belvedere hosts a range of events including curated art exhibitions, classical music concerts, and educational workshops. 

One of the most popular seasonal events is the Belvedere Christmas Market, held in front of the Upper Palace. 

The market is known for its artisanal crafts, traditional Austrian food, and festive lights set against the backdrop of the illuminated Baroque palace.

During the warmer months, the gardens are used for open-air film screenings, guided tours, and themed art walks.

Visitor Information

• Location: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna, Austria
  
• Opening Hours: Varies by section; generally open from 10 am to 6 pm
  
• Tickets: Can be purchased online or on-site; entry, guided, private & combination tickets available
  
• Accessibility: Most areas are wheelchair accessible; elevators and ramps are available
  
• Photography: Allowed in most areas, but flash and tripods are prohibited
  
• Amenities: On-site cafes, gift shops, lockers, and restrooms are available.

Frequently Asked Questions