Osterreichische Nationalbibliothek

About

The Austrian National Library, located in Vienna’s historic Hofburg palace, stands as Europe’s largest library with over 12 million items. It houses an extraordinary range of manuscripts, maps, globes, musical scores, and the world’s largest collection of papyri, spanning from the 4th century BCE to the present. The architecture itself is an attraction: the State Hall (Prunksaal) showcases a magnificent Baroque dome and frescoes, while the Palais Mollard‑Clary’s reading rooms echo the imperial grandeur of the Habsburg era. The library serves scholars, students, and visitors with free access to its reading rooms and several museums – the Globe Museum, the Papyrus Museum, and the Map Collection – which highlight humanity’s fascination with maps, exploration and early literature. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply looking for a quiet, culturally rich place to spend an afternoon, the Austrian National Library offers an unforgettable experience. While entrance is free, visitors are encouraged to check the library’s official website for reservations and opening hours, as certain galleries and reading rooms may require prior booking, especially during peak periods. Recommended visit time: 2 hours (7200 seconds).

Highlights

• State Hall (Prunksaal)
• Globe Museum
• Papyrus Museum

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At a glance

• Typical visit: about 2 hours