.png?w=auto&h=400)
.jpg?w=1080&dpr=2)
.jpg)
Inside Belvedere Palace: A Glimpse of Royal Luxury
The Upper Belvedere Palace’s interior is decorated by various stunning paintings, statues and frescoes. It is renowned for displaying the largest art collection of Gustav Klimt, a world-renowned Austrian painter. The construction of the Upper Belvedere Palace started in the year 1717. After Prince Eugene’s death, this section of the palace was renovated by Maria Theresa, the only woman ruler of Austria. You will also be amazed by art pieces of other famous artists such as Oskar Kokoschka and Egon Schiele. Inside the Upper Belvedere, you will also get to witness the Grand Staircase, the Marble Hall, Sala Terrana, Carlone Hall and the permanent exhibition.
Also Read: Belvedere Palace History
Built in 1717, the Lower Belvedere Palace was the summer residence of Prince Eugene. It was designed by Johann Lukas von Hilderbrandt a known Austrian architect. The palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its impressive Baroque-style architecture and lavish interiors. There is a Hall of Grotesques which stores grotesque paintings depicting mythological figures as well as botanical and zoological elements. The Marble Hall was the reception area, whereas, the Marble Gallery was the ceremonial hall. You will also come across The Golden Cabinet which is the most impressive room and a perfect example of the ruler’s wealth and prosperity. This section also includes an Orangery as the Prince was extremely fond of oranges and wished them to grow in his palace.
Also Read: Facts About Belvedere Palace
Prince Eugene was extremely fond of oranges and ordered the construction of a heated nursery to store various citrus trees. Built between 1739 and 1755, its unique technology provided a suitable environment for the fruits to grow in any kind of season. Another striking feature about the nursery was that it had a removable roof and facade which used to be taken off during summers. However, the Orangery did not receive the required care after Prince Eugene’s death. Therefore, the trees were shifted to Schönbrunn Palace, the main residence of the Habsburg rulers. In the year 2007, the Orangery was renovated and turned into an exhibition centre.
An extended part of the museum is the Belvedere 21 museum. This museum is a thriving art space, displaying contemporary art pieces and recollections of Belvedere Palace’s history. Designed by Karl Schwanzer, it was first opened in 1962 as the ‘Museum of the 20th Century’. Originally named 20er Haus, the building was renovated in 2011 and was relaunched under the name ‘Belvedere 21’ in 2018. In this museum, you will get to see the transition from the old-style art to the modern world art. Belvedere 21 Museum is also renowned for hosting exhibitions as well as art, music and film events.
The Belvedere Palace is ornamented by lush green gardens with colourful flowers, statues, staircases, and fountains. These gardens enhance the overall beauty of the palace and serve as an ideal resting place for the visitors. The Belvedere Gardens were designed by Dominique Girard, a famous landscape designer. It consists of trees, symmetrical flower patterns, water basins, trimmed hedges, steps, fountains and sculptures. After exploring the palace, you can enjoy a casual stroll in the gardens and admire the soothing greenery around you.
Tips to Note Before Visiting Belvedere Palace
- Wear comfortable shoes: To explore the Belvedere Palace complex, wear comfortable shoes as it could require a lot of walking.
- Have a couple of hours available: The Belvedere Palace is vast and features well-kept gardens across its grounds, Belvedere 21 Museum, Upper and Lower Belvedere Palace, Belvedere 21 Museum and Belvedere's Orangery. So, plan a visit of at least four to five hours to explore everything.
- Look for any noteworthy exhibits: Check out the Belvedere Palace interiors which holds showcases and temporary exhibitions. Additionally, inquire about special exhibitions before buying your Belvedere Palace tickets.
- Visit the nearby attractions: Make the most of your trip to Vienna by exploring the neighbouring attractions, including Naschmarkt, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the historic city centre.
- Take note of the palace’s photography guidelines: Avoid using flash or obstructing traffic lanes with selfie sticks and tripods. You can also apply to the palace's communications department for a license to record videos or take pictures for research or reporting.
FAQ's
What's inside Belvedere Palace Vienna?
Inside the Belvedere Palace, you will get to see three separate buildings, the Upper Belvedere Palace, the Lower Belvedere Palace and the Belvedere 21 Museum. All these three sections display amazing art pieces from eminent artists around the world.
Who designed Belvedere Palace Vienna?
The Belvedere Palace was designed by Johann Lukas von Hilderbrandt, a famous Italian architect. The palace was initially built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene of the Habsburg dynasty, which was later transformed into an art museum.
When was Belvedere Palace built?
The construction started with the Lower Belvedere Palace in the year 1712. After its completion in 1717, other buildings such as the Upper Belvedere and the Belvedere 21 Museum were added to the palace.
Can you take photos inside the Belvedere Palace?
Yes, you can take pictures or videos for personal purposes inside the Belvedere Palace. However, it is strictly prohibited to take pictures for commercial purposes or any use of flash photography, selfie sticks or tripods.
Is there a dress code inside the Belvedere Palace?
No, there is no dress code for Belvedere Palace, however, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your trip. You may be required to walk around the palace for hours which is why it is best to wear light comfortable clothes.