Belvedere, Vienna

The Belvedere in Vienna is a historic Baroque palace complex comprising the Upper and Lower Belvedere, originally built as the city palace and gardens for Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 18th century. The complex now functions as a museum showcasing art from the Middle Ages to the present, with a particular focus on Austrian painting.

Visitors most often go to see the Upper Belvedere’s collection of Austrian art, which includes major works by Gustav Klimt and other national artists, while the Lower Belvedere offers historic interiors and temporary exhibitions. The palace gardens link the two buildings and provide formal Baroque vistas and fountains.

The Belvedere was constructed in the early 1700s and has since been adapted for museum use, preserving Baroque architecture while housing modern exhibition installations. It is located in the city southeast of the Ringstrasse and is readily accessible from central Vienna.

• Construction and architect: The Belvedere consists of two Baroque palaces built in the early 18th century for Prince Eugene of Savoy and designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt.
• Collections: The museum's collection is strong in Austrian art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, with a particular emphasis on 19th and early 20th century national artists.

What to See #

• Upper Belvedere: The Upper Belvedere houses the core collection of Austrian art including major works by Gustav Klimt such as The Kiss.
• Lower Belvedere: The Lower Belvedere contains historic state rooms and rotating exhibitions focused on the Baroque palace and earlier collections.