The Austrian National Library: State Hall - A Comprehensive FAQ Guide
/On our December trip to Vienna, we were invited to visit the State Hall in the Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek), part of the Hofburg Imperial Palace, set in the heart of Vienna. The State Hall, an 18th century Baroque library, was commissioned in the early 18th century, by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. It holds a collection of 200,000 books which were published between 1501 and 1850.
We’ll be covering all of your most frequently asked questions in this full and comprehensive FAQ guide to the Library.
Getting To The Austrian National Library
The Austrian National Library is located at Josefplatz 1, 1010 Vienna. The entrance can be a bit tricky to find (since you’ll find yourself working your way around the outside of the Hofburg). The entrance is located on the corner of Josefplatz, just off of Reitschulgasse. Make sure you come in from the North or East as you’ll find yourself winding your way around the outside of Hofburg Palace if you make your way from another direction.
We relied heavily on the free-to-use Citymapper app during our Vienna stay and we would recommend you do the same. Better than Google maps in its current form, Citymapper gives you a variety of transport options to choose from. Vienna has an extensive public transport system (find out if it’s worth getting yourself a Vienna City Card to cover your public transport use during your stay).
Trams, trains, buses, scooters, a range of ride-hailing services, you name it!
Nearest Tram Stop on The Ringstrasse (Grand Boulevard)
The nearest tram stop to the Austrian National Library (going in both directions) is Burgring, about a 5 minute walk away.
Nearest U-Bahn/Metro Station
There are 3 U-Bahn (Metro) stations close to the Austrian National Library.
U2 Line Stop: Museums-Quartier - 1.2km or 14 minute walk north-east
U3 Line Stop: Herrengasse - 500m or 6 minute walk south-east
U3 Line Stop: Stephansplatz - 650m or 8 minute walk south-west
Uber
Uber Green (electric/hybrids), UberX (affordable everyday), Comfort (premium service), Black (luxury cars) and Uber Van (space for 6) are all available in Vienna.
If you’ve never used UBER before, use our code: andrewy2730ue or sign up here to get a discount on your first journey.
Opening Times
The Austrian National Library and State Hall opening times vary throughout the year. In general, the museum remains open on most public holidays with a few exceptions (see restricted dates below). The museum is closed on Mondays in Winter and Spring and the museum stays open late on Thursdays throughout the year.
October to May Opening Times
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 10am to 6pm
Wednesday - 10am to 6pm
Thursday - 10am to 9pm
Friday - 10am to 6pm
Saturday - 10am to 6pm
Sunday - 10am to 6pm
June To September Opening Times
Monday - 10am to 6pm
Tuesday - 10am to 6pm
Wednesday - 10am to 6pm
Thursday - 10am to 9pm
Friday - 10am to 6pm
Saturday - 10am to 6pm
Sunday - 10am to 6pm
Dates of Restricted Opening Times
24th December - Close at 3pm
30th December - 10am to 6pm
6th January - 10am to 6pm
Ticket Prices
The State Hall is not free to visit (unless you’re under 19 or you meet certain criteria - see below). In most circumstances, there is an entrance fee to pay. You can purchase tickets at the State Hall, Heldenplatz Library, Palais Mollard and Literature Museum service desks. Or you can purchase them online on the Austrian National Library website.
Admission Fees
Adults: €8
Under 19: Free
Vienna City Card Holders, Ö1 Club members, Alumni Association of Vienna, Vienna Concert House Society, MuTh-Konzertsaal Der Wr. Sängerknaben: €7
Pensioners: €6.50
Students under 27, Military/Civilian Service Members, Disabled Persons with identity card, Friends of Cooperating Museums/Organisations: €6
Family (2 adults and at least 1 child under 19): €13
Group (10 people or more) Per Person: €6
Guided Tour (10 People or More) - Costs On Top of Normal ticket
Adults: €4
Students under 27: €3
Guided Tours For Children (Adult Ticket): €5
Guided Tours For Children (Child Ticket - Age 6-13): €2
Audio Guide Costs
One Person: €3
Two People: €5
Top Tip: Download the ÖNB app, the official app of the Austrian National Library and listen to an audio guide for free in multiple languages.
Cloakroom
There is a free cloakroom service (with lockers) at the Austrian National Library. You may have to use this if you bring certain items (since they’re not allowed in the State Rooms). You have to store:
Bulky objects (eg. camera stands, umbrellas, coats)
Backpacks or bags larger than 30cm x 40cm
Filming or Photography
Filming and photography are allowed inside the State Rooms but only for private, academic and non-commercial purposes. Otherwise, you have to obtain permission by contacting the Austrian National Library in advance of your visit.
Food and Drink
No food or drink is allowed inside the National Library.
State Hall Highlights
Original walnut bookcases installed when the library was commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI (built between 1723 and 1726).
Prince Eugene of Savoy’s collection (the majority of the 15,000 volumes), which can be found in the central oval, underneath the dome.
Marble Statue of Emperor Charles VI (1735) in the centre of the hall, directly underneath the central dome.
The 4 Baroque Globes in the centre of the hall (2 Terrestrial, 2 Celestial), the work of Vincenzo Coronelli (1650-1718).
Thank you to the Austrian National Library for inviting us to visit. As always, all opinions are my own. Are you contemplating a visit to the Austrian National Library? Have you got any questions? Let us know in the comments section down below.
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