about this national library
The
Prunksaal of the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (Austrian National Library) in Vienna is one of the world’s most magnificent historic libraries, built in the early 18th century as the imperial court library of the Habsburgs. This grand baroque hall, nearly 80 meters long and crowned by an ornate dome frescoed by court painter Daniel Gran, houses around 200,000 volumes, including priceless manuscripts, early printed works, and historic globes. Marble statues of emperors and allegorical figures line the space, adding to its sense of majesty, while the richly decorated wooden bookcases emphasize its role as both a place of knowledge and a symbol of imperial power. Today, the Prunksaal is not only a cultural treasure of Austria but also a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience history, art, and scholarship in a single breathtaking setting.
