Lower Belvedere is the former residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, now part of Vienna’s Belvedere museum complex. The palace’s Baroque rooms are a draw in their own right: look up for painted ceilings, then seek out the richly gilded Gold Cabinet and the Hall of Grotesques. Exhibitions change, with displays that have included Impressionist works by Monet, Renoir and Cézanne, as well as medieval and Renaissance art in the Palace Stables. It is smaller than Upper Belvedere and suits a slower look at the palace and its exhibitions.
A palace built for Prince Eugene
Lower Belvedere, also called Unteres Belvedere, was the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. It is one of two Baroque palaces in the Belvedere complex, alongside Upper Belvedere, with gardens linking the buildings. Today, Lower Belvedere is a museum, and its decorated rooms are part of the visit.
The palace is smaller than Upper Belvedere, so the experience is more focused on its interiors and the exhibitions on view. The rooms have distinct decorative schemes. Look up as you move between them: painted ceilings are among the details that can be easy to miss when attention stays on the artworks.
Rooms to look for
The Hall of Grotesques leads toward the Marble Gallery and the Gold Cabinet. The latter was once Prince Eugene’s bedchamber and has gilded panels, mirrors and grotesque paintings. Its decoration makes the room a highlight even for visitors whose main interest is the art on display.
The Orangery is another part of the complex to include in your visit. The Palace Stables house medieval and Renaissance art, including a compact collection with many works. These rooms are away from the palace’s main interiors, so leave time to explore beyond the entrance hall.
Art and changing exhibitions
Exhibitions at Lower Belvedere change over time. Past displays have included Impressionist paintings by Cézanne, Monet and Renoir, as well as exhibitions on textiles and character-head busts. Check the current programme before visiting if you have a particular artist or subject in mind.
Lower Belvedere is not the place to go for the Belvedere’s best-known Klimt painting, The Kiss, which is at Upper Belvedere. Instead, plan this stop for the palace rooms, temporary exhibitions and the art in the Palace Stables. Timed-entry tickets are recommended, and the lower palace is often a quieter visit than Upper Belvedere.
Perguntas frequentes
What can you see at Lower Belvedere?
The palace’s Baroque interiors include the Hall of Grotesques, Marble Gallery and Gold Cabinet. The visit can also include changing exhibitions, the Orangery and medieval and Renaissance art in the Palace Stables.
How long do you need at Lower Belvedere?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to see the palace rooms and exhibitions, with time for the Palace Stables and Orangery.
Should you book Lower Belvedere tickets in advance?
Timed-entry tickets are recommended. Check the current exhibition programme before choosing when to visit.
Is The Kiss at Lower Belvedere?
No. The Kiss is at Upper Belvedere. Lower Belvedere is known for its palace interiors and changing exhibitions.
