Lower Belvedere Palace

The Lower Belvedere is the earlier of the two main palaces in the Belvedere complex and was built as the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. 

Unlike the Upper Belvedere, which served as a gallery and show palace, the Lower Belvedere was used for living, working, and receiving guests. 

It forms the southern part of the Belvedere complex and connects to the Upper Belvedere through the grand Baroque gardens.

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.

A Brief History of the Lower Belvedere 

The Lower Belvedere was constructed between 1714 and 1716, before the Upper Belvedere. 

It was designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, the same architect who designed the Upper Belvedere. Prince Eugene of Savoy used it as his primary residence during his later years. 

The Marble Gallery and the Grotesque Hall were part of his personal reception and living quarters. 

After Eugene’s death, the building was taken over by the state and used for various purposes, including exhibitions and state functions.

Highlights Inside the Lower Belvedere 

The Lower Belvedere features richly decorated state apartments, staterooms, and a beautiful Orangery. 

You can visit the Lower Belvedere daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and the last entry is at 5.30 pm. 

Today, it functions primarily as a museum space for temporary exhibitions and Baroque art. 

The Marble Gallery

Start your visit in the Marble Gallery, which once served as a ceremonial hall where Prince Eugene welcomed important guests. 

With its white marble columns, stucco reliefs, and large sunlit windows, the space feels both grand and peaceful. 

The Marble Gallery is the home to the temporary exhibitions featuring classical and Baroque masterpieces.

The Hall of Grotesques

Next, explore the Hall of Grotesques, one of the most playful and creative rooms in the palace. 

Its ceiling and walls are covered in whimsical frescoes of mythical beasts and surreal figures, reflecting the fun and fantasy side of Baroque design. 

Though informal in purpose, this room leaves a strong impression on every visitor.

The Gold Cabinet

The Gold Cabinet is a jewel box of a room—small, elegant, and richly gilded. 

With mirrored walls and intricate detailing, it likely served as a private room for displaying rare collectibles or hosting personal meetings. 

It perfectly reflects Prince Eugene’s taste for luxury and refinement.

The Orangery

Stroll through the Orangery, a long hall with tall windows and high ceilings that once housed citrus trees during Vienna’s cold winters. 

Today, it is used for light-filled exhibitions, often featuring contemporary or themed installations. 

Right beside it are the Palace Stables (Prunkstall), originally built for Eugene’s prized horses. 

These have now been transformed into a sculpture gallery featuring medieval and Baroque statues. The original vaulted ceilings remain intact, adding historic charm to the display.

Architecture and Design of the Lower Belvedere 

The Lower Belvedere showcases a more intimate Baroque architectural style compared to the Upper Belvedere’s grandiosity. 

The building’s lower elevation and simpler exterior reflect its use as a private residence. 

Inside, each room features elegant stucco work, ceiling frescoes, and original furnishings that speak of military prestige mixed with cultured living. 

The design expresses Prince Eugene’s identity, a powerful general with a deep love for art and culture.

Temporary Exhibitions and Events 

Unlike the Upper Belvedere, the Lower Belvedere doesn’t have a permanent collection.

Instead, it offers a dynamic schedule of rotating exhibitions. Past displays have included works by Francisco Goya, Egon Schiele, and showcases dedicated to women artists of the Vienna Secession. 

The Orangery and Palace Stables offer flexible gallery spaces for large-scale or thematic exhibitions, making each visit unique.

The exhibition highlights include:

• Gustav Klimt. Pigment & Pixel: Feb 20, 2025 – Sept 7, 2025
• RADICAL! Women Artists and Modernism 1910−1950: Jun 18, 2025 – Oct 12, 2025
• Cézanne, Monet, Renoir. French Impressionism from the Museum Langmatt: Sept 25, 2025 – Feb 8, 2026
• Franz Xaver Messerschmidt – More than Character Heads: Oct 31, 2025 – Mar 8, 2026

Visitors Tips

Tickets for the Lower Belvedere cost approximately €15 for adults, with reduced prices (€12) for students and seniors. Children and teens under 19 can enter for free. 

Combo tickets with the Upper Belvedere are available at a discounted rate. Booking online in advance is recommended to skip the queues.

The Lower Belvedere is located at Rennweg 6, 1030 Vienna. You can reach it easily by tram lines 71 or D and get off at “Unteres Belvedere.” It’s also a 10-minute walk through the gardens from the Upper Belvedere. While parking nearby is limited, public transport is a convenient and efficient option.

The palace is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges. Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are available. Visitor services also include cloakrooms, rest areas, and staffed information desks.

Photography is allowed inside the museum, but without flash. If you wish to use tripods or professional equipment, prior permission is required. 

It takes at least 1.5 hours to explore the Lower Belvedere, so if you’d like a break in between, you can relax at the Parkcafé. The Parkcafé combines Viennese coffee house culture with an Italian day bar ambiance, providing a relaxed atmosphere for visitors.

Before you leave, stop by the small museum shop, where you can purchase art books, prints, and themed souvenirs.