Upper Belvedere Palace

The Upper Belvedere is a magnificent Baroque palace located in Vienna, Austria, and is one of the city’s most visited landmarks. 

It is part of the larger Belvedere Palace complex, which also includes the Lower Belvedere and the stunning Baroque-style gardens that connect the two. 

Constructed in the 18th century, the Upper Belvedere has been transformed into one of Austria’s most significant and prestigious art museums.

While many tourists come to admire Gustav Klimt’s famous painting “The Kiss,” the palace features many other artworks and exhibits worth exploring.

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 Upper Belvedere Palace

The Upper Belvedere was commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy, a highly respected general in the Austrian army. 

Designed by architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, the palace was built between 1717 and 1723 in the elaborate High Baroque style. 

It served primarily as a summer residence and a venue for grand receptions and cultural events hosted by Prince Eugene.

After Prince Eugene passed away, the palace was acquired by the Habsburg royal family and became part of the imperial estate. 

In 1776, Empress Maria Theresa turned the palace into an exhibition space for the imperial art collections. 

By 1903, the Upper Belvedere officially became a public museum dedicated to showcasing Austrian art through the ages. 

Although it suffered some damage during World War II, the palace was carefully restored and reopened to the public.

Famous Artworks at the Upper Belvedere Palace

The Upper Belvedere houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Austrian art, ranging from the Middle Ages to modern times. 

Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” is the museum’s most iconic piece and attracts countless visitors from around the world. 

Additional masterpieces by Klimt, such as “Judith,” “Adam and Eve,” and “Portrait of Fritza Riedler,” are also part of the permanent collection.

Egon Schiele’s emotionally intense expressionist paintings are prominently displayed, offering a window into early 20th-century Austrian art. 

The museum also features captivating works by Oskar Kokoschka, known for his bold and deeply personal portraits. 

Paintings from the Biedermeier period, including those by Friedrich von Amerling and Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, showcase Austrian domestic and landscape scenes. 

The art collection spans diverse periods and styles, including Baroque, Realism, Romanticism, and religious art from the Middle Ages.

Inside the Upper Belvedere Palace

Step inside the Belvedere Palace, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered another era—one filled with opulence, history, and stunning art. From Baroque halls to modern galleries, every corner of the palace offers something unique to admire.

The Marble Hall

The Marble Hall, located on the upper floor, is one of the most breathtaking rooms in the palace and was originally used for grand receptions and royal gatherings. 

It’s now one of the most photographed rooms in the palace.

It features massive arched windows that provide panoramic views of Vienna and fill the space with natural light. 

The ceiling of the hall is adorned with magnificent frescoes and detailed gold stucco decorations that highlight the Baroque style. Today, the hall occasionally hosts special exhibitions, concerts, and ceremonial events.

The Carlone Hall

The Carlone Hall is named after the Italian artist Carlo Innocenzo Carlone, who painted the hall’s intricate ceiling fresco. 

The central fresco celebrates the life and achievements of Prince Eugene, depicting his apotheosis in grand visual storytelling. 

Rich red marble columns, gilded accents, and ornate molding make this hall one of the most visually dramatic spaces in the palace. 

Historically used for important ceremonies, the Carlone Hall remains a favorite for visitors due to its regal design and artistic flair.

Tip: While you’re exploring these grand halls, you might want to take a relaxing break at the Café im Oberen Belvedere near the entrance of the Upper Belvedere. It serves fresh coffee, cakes, and light meals like sandwiches and salads—perfect for recharging before you continue your visit.

The Palace Chapel

The Palace Chapel is a small but exquisitely decorated space used for private worship by the palace’s original occupants. 

The altar features classical religious paintings and finely crafted sculptures that reflect the spiritual life of the Baroque era. 

It’s a lovely contrast to the grandeur of the main halls and a glimpse into the spiritual side of palace life.

Gallery Rooms (Permanent Collection)

The permanent collection galleries are distributed across multiple rooms on the upper and lower floors of the palace. 

Each room is arranged either by historical period or thematic focus to help visitors understand the evolution of Austrian art. 

One gallery room is dedicated entirely to Gustav Klimt, featuring his iconic paintings and detailed background information. 

The Expressionist gallery features powerful and emotional portraits by Egon Schiele, illustrating themes of identity and inner turmoil. 

Other rooms focus on movements such as Romanticism, Classicism, and Realism, with detailed descriptions for each work of art. 

Several rooms display medieval sculptures and altarpieces, offering insight into Austria’s religious and artistic heritage.

The exhibition highlights include:

• CARLONE CONTEMPORARY: Sarah Ortmeyer March 27, 2025 – October 19, 2025
• IM BLICK: Gustav Klimt. The Bride May 15, 2025 – October 5, 2025

The Hall of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors faces tall windows to reflect sunlight and create the illusion of more space and perfect symmetry—a clever Baroque design trick.

The hall was historically used for social gatherings and entertainment for the elite. 

Architecture and Design of the Upper Belvedere

The Upper Belvedere stands as a shining example of High Baroque architecture in Central Europe. 

Its beautiful design features symmetrical front walls, a central green dome in the center, and detailed stone decorations.

Inside, the grand staircase is a highlight, with elaborate balustrades, curved steps, and intricate ceiling stucco work. 

The main façade that faces the city gives a stately impression, while the garden-facing side provides stunning views of the palace grounds. 

Sculptures of classical gods, fountains, and decorative ornaments enrich both the interior and exterior of the building.

Garden Views from the Upper Belvedere palace

From the upper balconies and windows, you can enjoy sweeping views of Vienna’s skyline and the formal palace gardens. 

The Belvedere Gardens form a direct and symmetrical path between the Upper and Lower Belvedere. Designed in the formal French style, the gardens feature symmetrical flowerbeds, water fountains, and allegorical statues. 

Visitors can stroll through the terraced gardens, which are particularly beautiful during spring and fall.

Visitor’s Tips for the Belvedere Palace

The Upper Belvedere is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with the last entry 30 minutes before closure.

The Upper Belvedere Tickets cost around €17 for adults, with discounted rates for students and seniors. Children and teens under 18 years can enter for free. Combo tickets covering all the sections of the Belvedere complex are available at a better price.

You can reach the palace by taking Tram D to the Schloss Belvedere stop. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from Vienna’s Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). Paid parking is available nearby for those driving.

The palace is fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges, featuring elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. 

Guided tours and audio guides are offered in multiple languages and can be booked in advance. Special themed tours for students and educators are also available.

Photography without flash is allowed, but tripods, selfie sticks, or professional gear require prior permission. 

Don’t forget to stop by the museum shop near the exit for Klimt-themed gifts, postcards, and art books.

Throughout the year, the Upper Belvedere hosts special events including temporary exhibitions, holiday programs, and classical concerts in the Marble Hall. Children will enjoy interactive exhibits and space to unwind in the gardens.

A visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours, but art lovers may wish to stay longer. With its rich blend of history, art, and beauty, the Upper Belvedere is a must-visit for anyone exploring Vienna.