The Austrian National Library is one of the most important libraries of the world. For centuries, it served as the principal knowledge center of the Habsburg Empire.
Today, eight special collections hold priceless treasures. Many of them have been awarded a Memory of the World by UNESCO.
Located in the heart of Vienna and being part of the historical complex of the Hofburg, the former Imperial Palace, the imposing premises of the Austrian National Library offer a suitable ambiance for exclusive events – either in a classical or modern atmosphere. Additional highlights may include a concert, a reading, guided tours or a ceremony on the occasion of becoming a book patron.
A free choice of catering, technical equipment and decoration companies allows further flexibility in the organization of your event. Your guests will enjoy unforgettable hours in baroque splendour or contemporary ambience.
Rooms and Seating
Technical Equipment and Facilities
As the Austrian National Library does not offer catering nor technical equipment, you are welcome to hire the caterer and tech company of your choice.
The following equipment is included in the rent (subject to availability): all chairs you need, stage, podium, high tables, tables for the caterer’s back office, coat-racks. There is no technical equipment available on site.
Leisure and Social Program
Guided visits:
The Austrian National Library is not only one of Austria’s largest libraries, but also hosts permanent presentations and varied special exhibitions in the State Hall and the museums.
We will happily show your guests around the State Hall, the world’s finest Baroque library hall. Changing special exhibitions showcase the precious treasures from the collections of the Austrian National Library.
An exclusive special guided visit of a museum of your choice could also be a cultural highlight of your event. Just let us know what your interests and main activities are – we will readily assist you.
- The Literature Museum is the first museum to present the range and diversity of Austrian literature from the end of the 18th century until the present day. It is acommodated in the listed Grillparzerhaus builidng, the former imperial and royal Court Chamber Archive.
- The Globe Museum in the magnificent setting of Palais Mollard is unique in the world. Discover over 250 exhibits from the 16th century to the present, including rare globes of the moon and other planets, foldable and pocket globes, as well as fascinating astronomical instruments.
- The Esperanto Museum is one of the world’s most important institutions of its kind. It presents a range of different media and objects on Esperanto, the most successful planned language, but also on several other invented languages, such as the mystic language of Lingua Ignota by Hildegard of Bingen, or the famous Klingon language from the TV cult series ‘Star Trek‘.
- The Papyrus Museum shows some 800 unique exhibits documenting 3000 years of Egyptian civilisation which feature on the Memory oft he World UNESCO list. The highlight ist he several-metre long Book oft he Dead of Sesostris dating from the 15th century before Christ. It is at the same time the oldest exhibit in the Austrian National Library.
Patron for life:
As a special highlight for your event, we offer you to become a book patron. The Book Patron campaign is among the most successful cultural fundraising campaigns in Austria.
Book lovers and companies from all over the world have already become patrons of manuscripts, papyri, posters, photographs and other objects of the Austrian National Library and have thereby expressed their responsibility for our cultural heritage. The sponsored object will be selected specifically for your company or the occasion of your event. You will receive a certificate of honour for your patronage and, in addition, a bookplate featuring the name of the patron will be attached to the selected object – for life! The funds raised are excusively used for converation and restoration purposes, and such for the presentation of the valuable collections of one of the most eminent libraries oft he world. Donations to the Austrian National Library qualify as operating expense for companies, and are tax deductible for privates. Donations are a one-time contribution, patronage is for life.
