Belvedere Palace in Vienna

The Schloss Belvedere complex is formed of two Baroque palaces - Upper and Lower Belvedere - joined by a large and beautifully designed garden.

Upper Belvedere

The Upper Belvedere is located on the highest part of the gently sloping garden. The main building of the architectural complex, its stunningly elaborate façade is reflected in the mirror pool in front of it.

Redesigned in 2018, the inside of the palace is home to one of Austria's most valuable art collections. The permanent exhibition showcases works from the Middle Ages to the present day across seven different themed rooms, including the magnificent two-storey Marble Hall and the octagonal Palace Chapel.

A highlight of the Upper Belvedere is undoubtedly the first floor exhibition dedicated to Gustav Klimt, an unmissable visit for Art Nouveau fans, or anyone wanting to see the artist's world-famous painting of The Kiss.

Lower Belvedere and Orangery

The little brother of the Upper palace, the Lower Belvedere has a more subtle façade, and houses the museum's temporary exhibitions. Inside, visitors can still marvel at the lavish tastes of Prince Eugene, who used this palace as his residence, particularly in the Groteskensaal (Hall of the Grotesque), the Marble Gallery and the Golden Room.

Next to the Lower Belvedere, the Orangery is an elegant building that was originally used as a greenhouse. A feat of architectural engineering in its time, it was a heated winter garden with a removable roof. Today, the original sliding roof has been replaced with a permanent one, and the orange trees swapped for special temporary art exhibitions.