Belvedere

The Belvedere is a stunning Baroque architectural ensemble consisting of two palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, connected by extensive formal gardens designed in the French style. The complex was commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy and designed by the renowned Baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. Construction of the Lower Belvedere began around 1712, while the Upper Belvedere was built in the late 1710s and completed in 1723.

The gardens feature mythological references alluding to Prince Eugene's rise, with a sculptural program linking him to the god Apollo. The complex also includes the Orangery and the Palace Stables.

The museum holds the world's largest collection of paintings by Gustav Klimt, including his famous masterpiece 'The Kiss'. The collection spans Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the mid-twentieth century, featuring prominent works from the periods of Viennese Biedermeier, Austrian Baroque, Vienna around 1900, and French Impressionism. Notable artists represented include Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka.

Since spring 2008, the highlights of the medieval and Baroque art collections, previously in the Lower Belvedere, have been displayed in the Upper Belvedere, allowing the entire scope of the permanent collection to be viewed under one roof.

The Belvedere is recognized as one of Austria's major art museums and a leading institution worldwide. It plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, including conducting provenance research on works created before 1945 in accordance with Austria's 1998 Art Restitution Act. The museum's significance was reaffirmed after World War II; following damage from bombing and a major fire in 1950, the Upper Belvedere was reopened in 1955.

The addition of Belvedere 21, originally the Austrian pavilion for the 1958 World's Fair and later converted into a museum of contemporary art, underscores the institution's commitment to presenting art from the Middle Ages to the present day.