Austrian National Library

AUSTRIAN NATIONAL LIBRARY
Vienna, Austria – 2022

Nestled in the Wiener Hofburg, the Austrian National Library is a living testament to history and knowledge. It is revered as one of the most beautiful historic library halls in the world.

Commissioned in 1722 by Charles VI, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, the landmark building was brought to life by the renowned baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and his son Joseph Emanuel. The grand hall, measuring 77.7 x 14.2 m with a central dome, boasts a lofty ceiling of 29.2 m high.

The iconic pairs of columns that divide the wings are more than just architectural elements; they symbolise the Pillars of Hercules, representing claims to power and “Constantia et Fortitudine”, the motto of Charles VI.

With a collection of over 12 million items, the Austrian National Library is the most extensive in Austria and houses one of the most valuable book collections globally, with items dating from 1501 to the present day, including two publications by Christian Voigt.
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