The baroque world in the State Hall: What comes to mind when you think of a library hall? Enter the State Hall of the Austrian National Library and your expectations are guaranteed to be exceeded.

Feel the essence of history.

The State Hall – built in the 18th century as part of the former Court Library – is a nearly 80 metres long and 20 metres high. An intricately decorated dome and numerous frescos provide an imperial flair. This baroque jewel is home to over 200,000 tomes. Four magnificent Venetian globes, each with a diameter of over one metre, provide the finishing touch to the heart of the Austrian National Library.

On October 26 2026, the State Hall will be open with free admission.

Audio guide – State Hall

The audio guide takes you on a journey through the State Hall and provides insights into its history, architecture, art as well as its importance as a treasury of knowledge. It tells the story of the Imperial Court Library's origins under Emperor Charles VI., explains the baroque visual imagery of the cupola frescoes and examines the meaning of the sculptures, globes, and the historical book collection. Discover how architecture and art were used to visualise the knowledge, power, and worldview of the Habsburgs.

13 chapters | duration: approximately 27 minutes

Languages: German, English, Italian, Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese, Ukrainian as well as a transcript for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors

Audio guide for your own smartphone. Please bring your own headphones. After placing your order, you will receive your access code via QR code. The audio guide is linked to the smartphone on which it is first activated, is non-transferable, and remains valid indefinitely on that device. No app download is required.

State Hall of the Austrian National Library
Josefsplatz 1
1010 Vienna

We offer public tours in English. To purchase your ticket, visit https://ticket.onb.ac.at/guided_tour_state_hall_pure. 

If you are interested in a private tour, we look forward to your inquiry.