The State Hall, or Prunksaal, is the Baroque showpiece of the Austrian National Library at Josefsplatz 1, in Vienna’s Hofburg complex. Come for the frescoed dome, marble statues and towering wooden shelves lined with historic books. Four large globes add to the hall’s carefully composed interior. Around 200,000 volumes are displayed here, though the shelves are behind barriers, so this is a place to look closely at the architecture and collections rather than browse or read. A visit can be brief, but the details reward a slow circuit.
A Baroque hall built for a court library
The State Hall is the best-known room of the Austrian National Library, inside the Hofburg complex. Its address is Josefsplatz 1. The hall was designed for the Habsburg court’s book collection: in 1716, Emperor Charles VI commissioned architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach to create a building worthy of it.
The result is a long, two-storey space, almost 80 metres from end to end and about 20 metres high. Marble, carved wood and gilded details frame the bookshelves, while a painted dome draws the eye upward. The hall’s scale is striking, but its decoration is close at hand too: take time to notice the sculptural details and the arrangement of the shelves.
What to look for inside
The ceiling frescoes by court painter Daniel Gran cover the dome. Below them, marble statues of Habsburg rulers stand among the shelves, and large Venetian globes punctuate the room. The mix of painted ceiling, stone sculpture, polished wood and rows of books gives the hall the character of an ornate historic interior as much as a working library.
About 200,000 volumes are displayed in the State Hall. The Austrian National Library’s broader collections contain more than 12 million items, including rare manuscripts and historical books. Some objects are presented in cases. The shelves themselves are behind barriers, so visitors cannot browse the books. This is a better stop for people interested in architecture, history and the appearance of historic collections than for anyone hoping to use a reading room during a short visit.
Planning a visit
The State Hall is a distinct attraction within the Austrian National Library, and its entrance is at Josefsplatz 1. It is separate from the library’s other museums and collections, so check that your ticket is for the State Hall if that is the room you want to see. Advance tickets are recommended.
A circuit can take around half an hour, though allowing longer gives you time to examine the ceiling, statues and globes without hurrying. The hall is kept quiet, and the books are not accessible to visitors. Coats are not allowed inside; free lockers are available for bags. The entrance and restroom are wheelchair accessible.
FAQ
Where is the State Hall of the Austrian National Library?
The entrance is at Josefsplatz 1, in Vienna’s Hofburg complex.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes. The hall can be seen in a short visit, with extra time for its frescoes, statues and bookshelves.
Can you handle or browse the books?
No. The displayed books are behind barriers, so visitors can view them but not browse the shelves.
Are advance tickets recommended?
Yes. Booking tickets ahead is recommended.
