In case you couldn’t tell from my other posts, I kind of like to read {surprise!}.  And like most bibliophiles, I’m a fan of beautiful libraries.  So when I noticed the Austrian National Library was open for tours, I jumped at the chance to sneak a peek.

Info Rundown:  The National Library is Austria’s largest library, with 7.4 million volumes. It’s located in the Hofburg Palace, so it’s an easy addition to make to your itinerary after viewing the Royal Apartments and Imperial Treasury.  Just be sure to avoid Monday’s as the library is closed on that day, but on Thursdays it is open from 10 AM- 9 PM.  All other days it is 10 AM-6PM.

The entrance

The library originated in the Middle Ages, but reached its current grandeur in the first half of the 18th century.  The main room or State Hall holds 200,000 volumes, and the domes and archways are decorated with frescoes by the court artist Daniel Gran. There is currently an exhibit on the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph in the halls of the Library amongst the books and the statues.

Plus, it’s mentioned in several “most beautiful library” lists!

Cogitations: This was one of my favorite outings in Vienna.  We went on a Thursday night before  dinner, when the crowds had faded and it felt like sneaking into a library after-hours.  Wandering the long hall, I was in awe of being surrounded by so much information and so much beauty at the same time.  

In heaven!

The exhibit on Emperor Franz Joseph’s long reign was also interesting…each speech cover of his was elaborately decorated and adorned with jewels and velvet.  Talk about some major book cover art!

One of the many elaborately decorated speech covers

Of course, my favorite part was just wandering along the hall, glancing at the impressive collection of Luther volumes and other antique books.  Can you imagine having a library this impressive?!? I felt like Belle from Beauty and the Beast!

Can’t you imagine pouring through all of these beauties?!

So even if your time in Vienna is limited, I highly recommend visiting the Austrian National Library for booklovers and beauty seekers.  Or Instagram stars :).  #doitforthegram.