An emperor in the middle
Under the dome stands Charles VI in marble, surrounded by statues of other Habsburg rulers. The whole hall was built to show off the dynasty's learning as much as its power.
Urban Tales › Vienna › State Hall of the National Library
State Hall of the National Library: 200,000 books and an emperor
One of the most beautiful library halls in the world was built for Emperor Charles VI and still holds 200,000 books printed between 1501 and 1850. Here's what you're looking at.
Built1723–1726
Length≈ 78 m
Books≈ 200,000
Dome frescoDaniel Gran, 1730
Hear the State Hall of the National Library story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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2
Prince Eugene's books
The 15,000 volumes in the central oval belonged to Prince Eugene of Savoy, the general who fought the Ottomans. Many still have their red, blue and yellow leather bindings by subject.
3
The dome that cracked
Soon after it was finished, cracks appeared in the dome. court architect Nikolaus Pacassi reinforced it in the 1760s, which is part of why it's still standing.
TipWalk to the center under the dome, then look along the length of the hall in both directions: the two wings are designed as War and Peace. With Urban Tales running, the hall's story plays as you reach Josefsplatz.
Nearby landmarks
State Hall of the National Library: common questions
Can you visit the State Hall of the Austrian National Library?
Yes, with a ticket; the entrance is on Josefsplatz.
How many books are in the State Hall?
About 200,000 books printed between 1501 and 1850.
Who built the State Hall?
Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach designed it for Charles VI; his son Joseph Emanuel completed it.