The Belvedere : Upper Belvedere

Österreichische Galerie Belvedere : Oberes Belvedere

The Belvedere in Vienna is a World Heritage Site and a Baroque jewel that stands as one of the world's oldest and leading museums. As a mediator of history and a venue for contemporary art, it serves as a global cultural hub linking the past with the future. Through its core mission of research, preservation, and education, the Belvedere ensures that art remains a foundation for everyone, both in its physical galleries and across the transnational digital space.

Visitor Informations

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Must-see Artworks

The Upper Belvedere houses some of the most iconic masterpieces of Viennese Modernism. The highlights include Gustav Klimt’s world-renowned The Kiss (Lovers), a shimmering masterpiece of his Golden Period, and his seductive reinterpretation of the biblical Judith.

While exploring, don't miss the profound works of Egon Schiele, such as the poignant Death and the Maiden, which captures the artist's personal transience, and the hauntingly isolated figures in Squatting Couple (The Family). These works, displayed within the historic palace, offer an unparalleled journey through the emotional and stylistic evolution of Austrian art.

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The Kiss (Lovers)

The Kiss (Lovers)

1908 (completed 1909)

Gustav Klimt

Location📍 Upper Belvedere

Painted at the height of his Golden Period, this is Gustav Klimt's most famous work. It depicts a couple fused into a single unity at the edge of a flowery meadow, embraced by a shimmering golden halo. Klimt used genuine gold, silver, and platinum leaf to create the intricate patterns that distinguish the two figures. First exhibited in 1908 under the title "Liebespaar" (Lovers), it was immediately purchased by the Ministry of Art for a high sum and has been known by its world-famous title "The Kiss" since 1909.

Judith

Judith

1901

Gustav Klimt

Location📍  Upper Belvedere

Gustav Klimt reinterprets the biblical heroine Judith as an erotic femme fatale and a seductive icon of femininity. In this 1901 masterpiece, Judith is depicted with a lascivious gaze, half-closed eyes, and a slightly open mouth. She holds the severed head of Holofernes almost tenderly, as if to push it out of the frame. By focusing on Judith’s triumph and the "battle of the sexes," Klimt leaves no room for the male aggressor, transforming the traditional tale of political resistance into a powerful display of dangerous charm. The top of the frame bears the inscription "JUDITH UND HOLOFERNES

Death and the Maiden

Death and the Maiden

1915

Egon Schiele

Location📍  Upper Belvedere

In this existential work, Egon Schiele explores themes of transience and death through a biographical lens. The painting depicts a couple in an unstable posture; the young woman, Schiele's long-time partner and model Wally Neuzil, clings to her lover with both arms, while the man—a self-portrait of Schiele—stares into space. Created during the period when Schiele left Neuzil to marry Edith Harms, the fragile balance of the figures suggests a moment on the verge of shattering.

Squatting Couple (The Family)

Squatting Couple (The Family)

1918

Egon Schiele

Location📍  Upper Belvedere

This 1918 masterpiece depicts a naked man, woman, and child huddled in the dark. The man, bearing Schiele's facial features, crouches protectively behind the woman, whose soft curves contrast with his bony physique. Although physically close, the figures appear isolated. Tragically, Schiele's own family never existed; his wife Edith died while six months pregnant on October 28, 1918, followed by the artist three days later. The title "The Family" was first used by art critic Berta Zuckerkandl following these events.

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Historical Overview

The Belvedere in Vienna is a World Heritage Site and a historical constant linking the past with the future. In the 18th century, Prince Eugene of Savoy commissioned the complex as a summer residence. After his death, Empress Maria Theresa acquired the estate and transformed the Upper Belvedere into an exhibition venue for imperial collections, establishing it as one of the first public museums in the world. As the site of the Austrian State Treaty, it remains a mediator of history and a cultural hub of international standing.

Architecture

This stunning Baroque architectural ensemble was designed by the renowned architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. The unique complex features the Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces set within one of Europe’s most significant French-style historical gardens. While the Upper Belvedere offers an unparalleled view of Vienna from its Marble Hall, the Lower Belvedere reflects its history as the Prince's former residence. The ensemble is completed by the modern Belvedere 21 pavilion by architect Karl Schwanzer, dedicated to contemporary art.

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When to Visit

For more details, visit the official website ↗

Special Notes for Visitors

✔️ Seasonal Extended Hours

• 9 am ~ 7 pm
• 20 December 2025 - 6 January 2026
• 30 March - 12 April 2026
• 15 July - 31 August 2026

⚠️  As schedules are subject to yearly changes, we recommend visiting the official website before your arrival. → visit the official website ↗

Other & Outdoor Facility Hours

Palace Gardens

Discover the Belvedere's Baroque gardens, a world-class masterpiece by Dominique Girard featuring three large terraces filled with symmetrical flower parterres, water basins, and trimmed hedges. On the south side of the Upper Belvedere, the reflection pond offers a sophisticated mirroring effect that creates a visible duplication of the monumental palace façade.

✔️ Opening Hours

• March: 7 am ~ 7 pm
• April: 6:30 am ~ 8 pm
• May ~ July: 6:30 am ~ 9 pm
• August ~ September: 6:30 am ~ 8 pm
• October: 6:30 am ~ 7 pm
• November to February: 7 am ~ 5:30 pm

✔️ Admission Fee: free

⚠️ Dogs and other pets are not allowed.

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Admission

Admission Fee

• Permanent Collections: Paid Admission
• Check the official website for detailed rates ↗

⚠️ Admission varies by visitor category. ⚠️ Rates and conditions are subject to change. Please visit the official website for current information.

⚠️ Online tickets recommended for fast track; walk-ins welcome.

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You May Also Like

#Gustav Klimt #Egon Schiele #Upper Belvedere #Lower Belvedere #Belvedere 21 #Contemporary Art #Vienna around 1900 #Austrian Landmark #Belvedere Palace Gardens #The Kiss #Lovers #Judith #Death and the Maiden #The Family

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📍 The Belvedere : Upper Belvedere | Vienna | Austria

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