State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Prunksaal)

What's On

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The Global Power of Love. A Journey Through the Centuries

Love across 2,000 years in the library's collections, from ancient creation myths and medieval love songs to Mozart, Schubert, Goethe and Bachmann.

Now showing20 Mar – 1 Nov€12

The Special Exhibit: Erich Lessing: A Moment of Hope

Erich Lessing's contact sheet from Budapest on 28 October 1956, when the Hungarian Uprising briefly seemed won. Chosen by public vote, shown within Bridge of Humanity.

Now showing13 Oct – 10 Jan 2027€12

Bridge of Humanity. Austria and the 1956 Hungarian Uprising

Previously unpublished photographs of Austria's humanitarian response in 1956, when some 200,000 Hungarian refugees crossed the border seeking asylum.

Now showing14 Oct – 10 Jan 2027€12

The Imperial Family. Private Life and Duty at the Court of Francis II/I

Letters, gifts and portraits reveal the household of Emperor Francis II/I and Empress Maria Teresa behind the idyll, under dynastic pressure and the threat of war.

Upcoming19 Nov – 28 Feb 2027€12

Permanent Collections

The Cupola Fresco

Daniel Gran's 1726–30 fresco in the 30-metre dome shows the apotheosis of Emperor Charles VI, borne up by Apollo and Hercules amid Habsburg symbols.

Permanent collection€12

The Baroque State Hall

Charles VI's imperial library of 1723–26: walnut shelves of 200,000 volumes, Prince Eugene's 15,000 books, marble statues by the Strudel brothers and four Venetian globes.

Permanent collection€12

Nearby

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Theatermuseum (Palais Lobkowitz)

Music2 min walk

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Albertina

Art2 min walk

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Jewish Museum Vienna (Jüdisches Museum Wien)

Local History3 min walk

Heidi Horten Collection

Heidi Horten Collection

Art3 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Prunksaal) cost?

Standard adult admission to State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Prunksaal) is €12. €10 reduced (students under 27, military/civilian service, disability ID; on site only). Free under 19.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.

What are the opening hours of State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Prunksaal)?

State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Prunksaal) is open Oct–May: Tue–Sun 9:00–18:00, Thu until 21:00, closed Mon. Jun–Sep: daily 9:00–18:00, Thu until 21:00.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Prunksaal)?

State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Prunksaal) is located at Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria, in the Innere Stadt area of Vienna. The nearest stations are Herrengasse (U3), Stephansplatz (U1, U3) and Karlsplatz (U1, U2, U4).

What can I see at State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Prunksaal)?

Vienna's baroque imperial library: a 30m frescoed dome, 200,000 antique volumes, marble emperors and giant Venetian globes. Current highlights include The Cupola Fresco, The Imperial Family. Private Life and Duty at the Court of Francis II/I and The Baroque State Hall.

Do I need to book State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Prunksaal) in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.

When is the best time to visit State Hall of the Austrian National Library (Prunksaal)?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.