The Belvedere Palace
Home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings, the Belvedere Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of two Baroque buildings. Both of them - the Upper and Lower Belvedere house centuries worth of art. Book The Belvedere Palace tickets at Headout to get skip-the-line entry, guided tours, and combo experiences.
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Upper or Lower Belvedere Palace Direct Entry Tickets
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Pro tips to help you make a pick
Wear comfortable shoes: The Belvedere Palace is a large complex, with over three buildings to explore, the Upper and Lower Belvedere complex and the Belvedere 21 Museum. Wear closed, comfortable shoes to ensure you can comfortably navigate the grounds and enjoy your visit. Avoid heels as they will dig right into the gardens!
Respect photography policies: While photography is generally allowed in the public areas of the Belvedere Palace, there may be restrictions in certain exhibition rooms or special collections. Avoid using flash or obstructing pathways with tripods and camera gear.
Visit during off-peak hours: To avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed visit, consider visiting the Belvedere Palace complex during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late afternoon during weekdays. This allows you to explore the exhibits and gardens more easily and tranquility.
Check for special exhibitions: Before your visit, check the Belvedere Palace website for any special exhibitions, events, or temporary closures that may coincide with the day of your visit. This can help you plan accordingly and ensure you don't miss out on any attractions during your time at the palace.
Visit the gardens: The Belvedere Gardens are a highlight of the palace complex, offering beautiful sculptures and fountains. Take some time to wander through the gardens, relax on a bench, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
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About The Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture, Whether you're exploring the palace interiors or wandering through its lush gardens, this cultural gem offers a captivating blend of architectural marvels and natural wonders. The Upper Belvedere showcases opulent interiors adorned with frescoes, intricate stuccowork, and grand halls that once served as the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Here, you can marvel at iconic artworks by Gustave Klimt, Egon Schiele, and other Austrian painters. The Lower Belvedere Palace hosts temporary exhibitions, offering visitors the chance to explore a diverse range of artistic styles and periods.
The ‘Battle of the Kiss’: During World War II, most of the valuable artworks from the Belvedere collection, including Gustav Klimt's iconic painting ‘The Kiss,’ were evacuated to prevent them from being damaged or stolen by Nazi forces. This daring rescue mission, known as the ‘Battle of the Kiss,’ involved transporting the artworks to various hiding places throughout Austria.
Historic events: Over the centuries, the Belvedere Palace has been the setting for numerous diplomatic gatherings. It has hosted visits from emperors, kings, and other dignitaries, as well as lavish balls, receptions, and cultural celebrations. Today, the palace serves as a venue for prestigious events and exhibitions, maintaining its status as a cultural hub in Vienna.
Home to cultural institutions: The Belvedere Palace complex is home to several cultural institutions, including the Austrian Gallery Belvedere, which houses an extensive collection of Austrian art, ranging from medieval masterpieces to contemporary works. The palace also hosts concerts, lectures, and educational programs, further enriching Vienna's cultural landscape.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2001, the Belvedere Palace complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its outstanding universal value as a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and art. The inscription highlights the palace's significance as a symbol of artistic achievement and cultural heritage.
Commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy: Prince Eugene played a crucial role in the Habsburg Empire's military victories against the Ottoman Empire and France, and he used his wealth to commission the construction of the Belvedere as a lavish summer residence and showcase his art collection.
Why visit The Belvedere Palace?
Highlights
Upper Belvedere Palace
The Upper Belvedere is situated in the main building of the Upper Belvedere complex and is home to an impressive collection of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Some of the highlights of this collection include Gustave Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’ and ‘Judith’, Egon Schiele’s ‘Self-Portraits’, and Austrian Medieval art.
Lower Belvedere Palace
The Lower Belvedere houses a notable collection of Austrian Art Nouveau artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a Baroque masterpiece with beautifully landscaped gardens and a diverse array of exhibitions. Look out for the Marble Hall, a grandiose ceremonial room adorned with lavish stucco decorations and frescoes.
Belvedere 21 Museum
Close to the Belvedere Palace complex, the Belvedere 21 Museum houses a large number of paintings and artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries, specifically those acquired after World War II. Look out for the sculptures by Lois Weinberger and Leopold Kessler.
Imperial Picture Gallery
It is said that in 1777 when Marie Theresa opened this gallery in the Upper Belvedere Palace to the public, she brought forth a new era of enlightened absolutism. She made sure that the collections would no longer be restricted to the elites but would be available to the commoners.
Belvedere Gardens
The Belvedere Gardens are a masterpiece of Baroque landscaping, featuring cascading fountains, manicured hedges, and colorful flower beds. You can stroll through the gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the palace complex and the city of Vienna.
Plan your visit
Upper Belvedere entrance
The principal building of the Belvedere complex is located in front of the building facing the formal gardens. You can enter the palace complex through this entrance to access the art collections housed within the Upper Belvedere.
Lower Belvedere entrance
The Lower Belvedere complex is situated south of the Upper Belvedere building and has a separate entrance of its own. This entrance is most often used for visitors accessing exhibitions and events held within the Lower Belvedere.
Orangery entrance
The Orangery, situated adjacent to the Lower Belvedere, has its separate entrance. This entrance is typically used for special events, exhibitions, and access to the Orangery garden.
- The Belvedere 21 Museum is open until 9 pm on Thursdays. It also remains open on public holidays, which fall on Mondays.
- The Lower Belvedere Palace and 21 Museum hosts several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Make sure to keep aside a few extra hours to explore these contemporary art pieces.
All kinds of outer wear like coats and umbrellas, heavy backpacks, and suitcases are not allowed inside the Belvedere Palace. You must deposit them at the cloakroom.
You can avail yourself of restroom facilities inside the Belvedere Palace.
All rooms inside the Belvedere Palace have free Wi-Fi for your convenience.
While outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the Belvedere Palace, you can grab a bite at any of its cafes in the Upper Belvedere Palace. The Schlosscafe, Parkcafe, and the Lucy Bar offer a variety of dishes.
You can purchase postcards, miniatures, and other keepsakes in the museum shop inside the Belvedere Palace.
There are 2 elevators and ramps connecting the entrance of the Upper Belvedere Palace with the other sections. There are staff always readily available nearby to help you navigate around the palace.
You can request wheelchair facilities from the cloakroom upon your arrival. However, we recommend you to bring your own wheelchair for your convenience.
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