Austrian National Library (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Austrian National Library?
What makes it 76% Kids-Friendly: School-age children enter free, join hands-on workshops, spot giant Venetian globes, and move easily with lifts; yet there is no play zone, loud voices discouraged, so stays should be short.
Positives:
- Free child admission: Children under 19 enter museums and halls free of charge.
- Stroller & accessibility: Barrier-free access and baby-changing stations are available throughout.
Challenges:
- No playground: The library has no play areas; best for school-age kids comfortable with quiet spaces.
- Quiet etiquette: Families must keep voices low and avoid running to respect the formal setting.
What is Austrian National Library?
- A national library of Austria housed in the historic Hofburg Palace, founded by the Habsburg dynasty and renamed the Austrian National Library in 1920
- A repository of over 7 million items, encompassing manuscripts, papyrus collections, early printed books, globes, maps and extensive music and portrait archives
- A Baroque architectural landmark highlighted by the frescoed State Hall and complemented by dedicated papyrus, globe and literature museums
What is so special about Austrian National Library for with kids?
- Baroque State Hall with painted dome perfect for exploring with kids.
- Free entry for children under 19 makes it budget-friendly.
- Hands-on workshops engage kids in crafts and storytelling.
- Small museums like Globe & Papyrus offer focused, child-friendly exhibits.
- Barrier-free access and baby-changing stations ease family logistics.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to see the State Hall and two small museums without tiring young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Austrian National Library
State Hall Visit:
Walk under the painted dome and browse 18th-century baroque shelves.
Tip: Buy €11 adult tickets online to skip the line; children under 19 enter free.
Globe & Esperanto Museums:
Explore historic globes and learn simple Esperanto stories.
Tip: Pick up the free family audio guide app; kids enjoy spotting world maps.
Papyrus Museum:
See ancient papyrus scrolls and hieroglyphs up close.
Tip: Tell a short story about ancient Egypt before you enter to spark curiosity.
Kids’ Workshop Tour:
Join a guided craft and storytelling session for ages 6–13.
Tip: Book at least three days in advance; arrive 10 minutes early.
Green Door Bistro Break:
Enjoy seasonal snacks and hot chocolate in the library courtyard.
Tip: Try the apple strudel; seating fills up by noon.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Austrian National Library
- Skip ticket lines: Buy State Hall and museum tickets online before your visit.
- Off-peak mornings: Arrive at opening time to enjoy exhibits with fewer crowds.
- Use cloakroom: Store strollers and coats at the free cloakroom to move freely.
Reviews of Austrian National Library
Bianca Vieira Leite
Absolutely stunning. The architecture is breathtaking — the painted ceilings, the ornate details, and the rows of rare ancient books make the whole place feel almost unreal. Walking inside felt like stepping into an old film set or a royal study frozen in time. It’s not a huge space, but every corner is worth taking in slowly. If you appreciate history, design, or just beautiful interiors, this l...
SOFIA CHEN
It is recommended to arrive at 9:30 in the morning when there are fewer people. The Austrian National Library, located within Wienna’s Hofburg Palace, was once the imperial library of the Habsburg dynasty. Its grand Baroque hall features soaring domes and gilded shelves, with a central statue of Emperor Charles VI symbolizing the empire’s reverence for knowledge and power. Today, it stands as one...
Neel Banerjee
One of the most visually stunning rooms I’ve ever walked into. The baroque hall, with its frescoed ceiling, marble statues, and centuries-old tomes, feels like stepping straight into a fantasy film set. Every corner glows in warm gold light. Historically, this was the Habsburg court library, and it still carries that imperial grandeur. Tip: Go mid-morning; it’s quieter and you can take your time a...
Anand
This library is absolutely gorgeous. As you walking in you can just see the history of this place come to life. The place is huge and you can spend a bit of time here reading through ancient and modern history article and artifacts. The ceiling art is priceless and gives most of the character to the library. I would highly recommend visiting this place. It is unique in nature and you won’t find ma...
Theavy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve never seen a library as breathtaking as this one in my life. Walking through it felt like stepping into a world that truly celebrates knowledge, creativity, and curiosity. The way everything is organized — from the architecture to the placement of each book — shows how deeply people here value learning. Coming from a developing country, this visit touched me deeply. It made me rea...
When is the best time to visit Austrian National Library (Vienna, Austria)?
During summer the hall can feel warm—carry water and rest in reading rooms. In winter book family tours early; holiday slots fill fast.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| State Hall tickets (2 adults) | EUR 22 |
| Globe & Esperanto combo (2 adults) | EUR 12 |
| Papyrus Museum entry (2 adults) | EUR 12 |
| Kids’ Workshop tour (2 kids + 2 adults) | EUR 18 |
| Snacks at Green Door Bistro | EUR 20 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 84 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Austrian National Library
Address: Josefsplatz 1, 1015 Wien, Austria
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About Austrian National Library
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+43 1 53410Average price
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