Austrian National Library

About

The Austrian National Library, located in the heart of Vienna, is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and vast collection of rare books. Established in the 14th century, it has evolved into one of the largest and most significant libraries in the world. The library's collection includes over 12 million items, encompassing books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and more. It serves as a central academic library, collecting all publications produced in Austria, including dissertations from Austrian universities. The library's architectural highlight is the State Hall, a masterpiece of Baroque design completed in 1726. It houses over 200,000 volumes and features impressive frescoes and sculptures. The library also includes several museums, such as the Globe Museum and the Papyrus Museum, each offering unique cultural treasures. The Austrian National Library is a hub for scholars and researchers, providing access to historical materials both on-site and digitally through initiatives like the ANNO project.