What Time Does Upper Belvedere Open?
Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., including weekends. (Note: Some sources cite closing at 6:00 p.m.; the official gallery site confirms 7:00 p.m.)
Where Is It Located?
Located at Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27 in Vienna’s 3rd district, the Upper Belvedere towers above formal Baroque gardens. Nearby lies the Lower Belvedere at Rennweg 6.
How Long Should You Plan to Visit, and Best Time?
Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours touring the palace’s State Rooms and art galleries. Late afternoon or early evening visits offer fewer crowds and beautifully lit interiors.
History & Purpose
From Palace to Museum
Completed in 1723, the Upper Belvedere was originally Prince Eugene’s ceremonial residence. It transformed into a public institution in 1777, when Empress Maria Theresa opened the Imperial Picture Gallery to visitors—a rarity in its era.
Museum Evolution
After falling out of use mid-century, the Upper Belvedere came to house Austrian art collections, including the world’s largest assembly of Gustav Klimt masterpieces. Today it presents artwork from medieval times through the early 20th century.
What You Can Expect Inside
- State Halls & Chapel: Marvel at the Baroque architecture, including the Palace Chapel, frescoed in gold and marble.
- Art Highlights: Iconic works like Klimt’s The Kiss, Judith I, and key pieces by Schiele and Kokoschka spotlight Austria's cultural heritage.
- Historical Installations: Engaging displays trace Vienna’s art history, from the Middle Ages through Renaissance and beyond.
Key Highlights
- Climatic Collection: Home to the largest Klimt ensemble in the world.
- Garden Views: Look out onto manicured Baroque gardens and cascading terraces best experienced at dusk.
- Cultural Groundbreaking: One of the first galleries transformed from royal halls into a museum open to the public.