The Austrian National Library occupies an important part of Vienna’s Hofburg complex and is Austria’s central academic library. Visitors can explore several historic and specialised museum collections connected with the institution.
One of its most famous attractions is the State Hall, designed by Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach based on plans by his father Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The impressive Baroque hall is around 80 metres long and 20 metres high and is crowned by a magnificent frescoed dome.
The State Hall contains approximately 200,000 historic volumes, creating one of Vienna’s most impressive historic library interiors.
Other attractions associated with the Austrian National Library include the Globe Museum, Papyrus Museum, Esperanto Museum and Literature Museum.
Guided tours and educational programmes are also available, including activities designed specifically for younger visitors.
