The Belvedere building complex is where two Baroque palaces (the Upper and Lower Belvedere), the Orangery, and the Palace Stables are housed – collectively known as the Belvedere. It is also renowned as an art museum that showcases an impressive collection of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum is located in the Belvedere Palace complex, which itself has a rich history.
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History of the Belvedere Museum
Construction of the Belvedere Palace:
The Belvedere Palace complex was built in the early 18th century during the reign of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a prominent military leader and art collector.
The palace was designed by the renowned Baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt and constructed between 1714 and 1723.
It was initially intended as a summer residence and a display of power and wealth.
Usage and Transformation:
Prince Eugene used the Belvedere Palace as a luxurious residence and a venue for lavish social gatherings.
After Prince Eugene’s death in 1736, the palace changed hands several times and underwent modifications to suit the needs of different owners.
It served various purposes, including military use, until the late 19th century.
Creation of the Belvedere Museum:
In 1903, the Austrian government acquired the Upper Belvedere Palace and decided to convert it into an art museum.
The Belvedere Museum was officially opened to the public in 1906, showcasing artworks from the Imperial collections as well as other acquisitions.
The Collection:
The museum’s collection includes a vast range of Austrian art, including works from the Middle Ages, Baroque and Rococo periods, Biedermeier era, and the 19th and 20th centuries.
Notable artists represented in the collection include Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and Richard Gerstl, among others.
The Belvedere is particularly renowned for its collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including his iconic masterpiece, “The Kiss.”
Expansion and Modernization:
Over the years, the Belvedere Museum has undergone expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing collection and enhance its facilities.
In 2000, the Lower Belvedere and the Orangery were integrated into the museum, providing additional exhibition spaces.
The museum has also embraced modern and contemporary art, featuring temporary exhibitions and installations by both Austrian and international artists.
Today, the Belvedere Museum is one of Austria’s leading art institutions, attracting visitors from around the world with its impressive collection, architectural beauty, and cultural significance.
Exhibits
Permanent and temporary, the Belvedere houses a diverse range of exhibits, showcasing Austrian art from various periods. While the specific exhibits may change over time due to temporary exhibitions and rotations of artworks, here are some notable collections and artworks that are often on display at the Belvedere:
- The Kiss by Gustav Klimt:
- One of the most famous and beloved artworks in the world, “The Kiss” is an iconic painting by Gustav Klimt.
- It is part of the museum’s permanent collection and is often a highlight for visitors.
- Austrian Art from the Middle Ages to the Baroque:
- The Belvedere Museum features an extensive collection of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period.
- This collection includes religious paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from renowned artists of the time.
- Biedermeier Art:
- The museum showcases artworks from the Biedermeier era, a period in Austrian art and culture known for its focus on domestic life and everyday scenes.
- The collection includes paintings, furniture, and decorative objects from this influential period.
- 19th and 20th Century Art:
- The Belvedere Museum houses a significant collection of 19th and 20th-century Austrian art.
- This collection includes works by renowned artists such as Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, Richard Gerstl, and Gustav Klimt, among others.
- The museum provides insights into the various artistic movements and styles that emerged during this period.
- Contemporary Art:
- The Belvedere Museum also features temporary exhibitions and installations of contemporary art.
- These exhibits often showcase works by both Austrian and international contemporary artists, offering a platform for dialogue between the historical and the contemporary.
It’s important to note that specific exhibits and artworks may vary depending on the museum’s current programming and temporary exhibitions. It is advisable to check the museum’s official website or contact them directly to get the most up-to-date information on the exhibits on display during your visit.
The Lower Belvedere Palace
Architecture and Design:
The Lower Belvedere Palace was constructed in the early 18th century under the patronage of Prince Eugene of Savoy.
It was designed by the prominent Baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, who also designed the Upper Belvedere Palace and other notable buildings in Vienna.
The palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, characterized by its grandeur, elaborate ornamentation, and symmetrical design.
Exterior:
The Lower Belvedere Palace features an elegant and imposing façade, adorned with decorative elements such as pilasters, columns, and statues.
The palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, which are an integral part of the overall Belvedere Palace complex.
The gardens provide a picturesque setting, with manicured lawns, flower beds, fountains, and pathways, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Interior:
The interior of the Lower Belvedere Palace boasts opulent Baroque design and richly decorated rooms.
Visitors can explore various rooms and halls, including the Marble Hall, Marble Gallery, and the Grand Staircase, which showcase intricate plasterwork, frescoes, and ornate detailing.
The palace’s interior spaces have been restored and maintained to preserve their original splendor, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur and artistry of the Baroque period.
Exhibition Spaces:
The Lower Belvedere Palace serves as an exhibition space within the Belvedere Museum complex.
It houses rotating exhibitions that feature a wide range of art and cultural displays, including temporary exhibitions, contemporary art installations, and thematic presentations.
The exhibition spaces within the palace provide a unique setting for showcasing various artistic styles and periods, offering visitors a dynamic and immersive art experience.
Access and Amenities:
The Lower Belvedere Palace is accessible to visitors and offers amenities such as ticketing, visitor information, and a museum shop.
Visitors can explore the palace’s interior spaces and enjoy the surrounding gardens as part of their visit to the Belvedere Museum complex.
Audio guides or guided tours may be available to provide additional insights into the history, architecture, and artworks displayed within the palace.
The Lower Belvedere Palace, with its magnificent architecture, sumptuous interiors, and captivating exhibitions, offers a captivating journey into the world of Baroque art and culture, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience within the larger context of the Belvedere Palace complex.
How to get to the Upper Belvedere Palace
1. Public Transportation:
– Take the Sbahn line and get off at the station called “Quartier Belvedere.” From there, cross over to the Upper Belvedere gate. Follow the signs or use a map for guidance.
– Take tram D from Karlsplatz and get off at the stop Schloss Belvedere – there will be a gate to the side of the palace, you can go in front to take photos or at the back to enter the museum. You can go one more stop to Messpunkt Wien Landstraßer Gürtel/Prinz-Eugen-Strasse so you can enter from the upper gate and take photos of the pond going to the Upper Belvedere.
2. Walking:
If you are in the city center or nearby, you can choose to walk to the Upper Belvedere. The palace is located in the 3rd district of Vienna, about a 20-25 minute walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) or about a 15-minute walk from the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper).
Once you arrive at the Upper Belvedere, you can access the palace and explore its stunning architecture, gardens, and the art collections housed within the museum. The Belvedere Palace is a popular tourist attraction, and signage and staff will assist you in finding your way around.
How to get to the Lower Belvedere Palace
1: Public Transportation:
Take tram 71 from Karlsplatz going to “Kaiserebersdorf, Zinnergasse” and get off at the station called “Unteres Belvedere.” Or take tram 71 at Sbahn line Rennweg going to “Börse or Schwarzenbergerplatz” and get off at “Unteres Belvedere.” From the station, it’s a very short walk to the gate of the Lower Belvedere. Follow the signs or use a map for guidance.
If you are already in the Upper Belvedere, traverse the garden going down – it’s a good place to take photos!
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