Vienna's historic core, the Hofburg Palace complex, includes one of the largest libraries in Europe and a world-famous Baroque building. Visitors are particularly attracted to the Ceremonial Hall (Prunksaal), the heart of the library and, according to many, the most beautiful library hall in the world.

The new National Library building was built in a lavish Baroque style during the 18th century as a separate wing of the Hofburg complex during the reign of Emperor Charles VI.

The impressive main hall of the library is 80 metres long, 20 metres high and crowned by a magnificent dome decorated with frescoes by court painter Daniel Gran. More than 200,000 volumes can be found here, and the library also boasts the largest collection of Martin Luther's Reformation writings.

The displays also include two Baroque globes with diameters of more than 1 metre.

Admission and opening hours

The museum, which is part of the library, is open daily from 10:00-18:00, on Thursdays until 21:00. It is only open on Mondays from June to September, and closed on Mondays the rest of the year.

The library itself is open daily from 9:00 to 21:00.

Admission to the main hall is 10 eur for adults

Admission to the Literature Museum is 8 eur for adults.

Combination tickets for multiple tours can also be used, details on the library's official website onb.ac.at.