--- type: page title: History and Architecture language: en url: "https://www.belvedere.at/en/belvedere/history-and-architecture" --- # History and Architecture The Belvedere in Vienna is one of the leading museums worldwide. Its famous art collection includes works ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. Austrian art in an international context is presented in three locations. Highlights include the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings as well as prominent works from the periods of Viennese Biedermeier, Austrian Baroque, Vienna around 1900, and French Impressionism. The institution's central tasks focus on exhibiting, researching, collecting, communicating, and preserving. Ongoing advancements and digitalization in all areas ensures the Belvedere’s significance as an outstanding museum of the future. ![Obere Belvedere — Foto: Ouriel Morgensztern, © Belvedere, Wien](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/main_image_aspect1_5__561x374/public/2019-06/Belvedere_Nord_Foto_Ouriel_Morgenstzern_%28c%29_Belvedere_Wien.jpg.webp?itok=ADAM9BH_) ### Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663–1736) ![Prinz Eugen of Savoyen — Jacob van Schuppen, Prinz Eugen von Savoyen nach der Schlacht von Belgrad am 16. August 1717, 1718 — © Belvedere, Vienna / Loan of the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/full_content_width_no_crop/public/2019-06/PrinzEugen.jpg.webp?itok=C2EPB9ML) Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663–1736) made a name for himself as a general and diplomat in the Habsburg Monarchy while also acquiring significant wealth. With cosmopolitan finesse, he cultivated prominent personalities throughout Europe. The ceremonial chambers of his palaces were the settings for lively international exchanges. Prince Eugene had a lasting influence, not only on politics but also on the art and cultural history of Austria. His buildings and art collection made him one of the most important patrons of his time. [Collection Online](https://sammlung.belvedere.at/?) - **1663** — Prince Eugene Franz of Savoy is born in Paris on October 18 to Eugene Moritz of Savoy and Olympia Mancini, the fifth of their seven children. - **1673** — His father dies. - **1683** — Having been refused admission into Louis XIV's army, Prince Eugene flees France and joins the army of Emperor Leopold I. He takes part in the Battle of Kahlenberg (September 12). Carlo Emanuele d'Este, Marchese di Borgomanero, welcomes Prince Eugene into his home and introduces him to the court of Leopold I. - **1688** — Appointed Field Marshal Lieutenant, Prince Eugene becomes lay abbot of two abbeys in Savoy that provide him with substantial revenues, but also require the commitment to remain celibate. - **1693** — Appointed Imperial Field Marshal. - **1694** — First buildings are purchased in the Himmelpfortgasse, ushering in an era of active construction work. Over the course of his life, Prince Eugene establishes a substantial collection of paintings, books, and engravings, as well as of plants and a zoo. - **1697** — Appointment as Commander in Chief of the Imperial Army in Hungary. The Battle of Zenta (September 11) brings Prince Eugene his first great success as a commander. Several other successful military operations establish his fame as a general. He purchases a large plot of land on the Rennweg, which is gradually expanded as he acquires several other properties. - **1701** — Commencement of the War of Spanish Succession – Prince Eugene once again gains fame and honor. - **1703** — Named President of the Imperial War Council. - **1704** — The Battle of Höchstädt (August 13) leads to a coalition with the British. Terracing work commences on the grounds of the Belvedere. - **1706** — Relief of the city of Turin from the French. - **1712** — Construction of the Lower Belvedere begins. - **1714** — The War of Spanish Succession ends with the Peace of Rastatt (March 6). - **1716** — Appointment as Governor in the Austrian Netherlands (until 1724). Battle of Peterwardein (August 5) as part of the Venetian–Austro–Turkish Wars. - **1717** — Battle of Belgrade, with a surprise attack launched by Prince Eugene (August 16). Lower Belvedere is completed and construction of the Upper Belvedere commences. - **1718** — The Peace of Passarowitz (July 21) not only concludes the Venetian–Austro–Turkish Wars, it also puts an end to the threat from the Ottoman Empire. - **1723** — Completion of the Upper Belvedere. - **1724** — Appointment as Vicar General of Austrian territories in Italy. - **1725** — Prince Eugene acquires Schloss Hof. - **1731** — Publication begins of the ten-volume book of Belvedere engravings based on drawings by Salomon Kleiner. What is known as Menagerie Work, a complimentary book on animals and plants in the gardens of the Belvedere, is published in 1734. - **1734** — In the spring, and at the request of Emperor Charles VI, the seventy-year-old Commander in Chief assumes command of the Rhine army in the War of the Polish Succession. - **1736** — Prince Eugene dies the evening of April 21 in his palais at the Himmelpfortgasse. Funeral services take place on July 9 at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where he is laid to rest in the Savoy Crypt. ### Belvedere Palace The unique, overall complex, with its two palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, and their extensive gardens, is one of the most stunning Baroque architectural ensembles in the world. ![Exterior view Upper Belvedere — Photo: Johannes Stoll / Belvedere, Vienna](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/full_content_width_no_crop/public/2022-10/OB_0.jpg.webp?itok=ak4ehQnC) In the 18th century, the Austrian general Prince Eugene of Savoy commissioned the renowned Baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt to build a summer residence. After the death of Prince Eugene, Empress Maria Theresa acquired the entire complex and transformed the Upper Belvedere into an exhibition venue for the imperial collections – making it one of the first public museums in the world. The Marble Hall was the venue for important historical events and now offers an unparalleled view of Vienna. The Lower Belvedere, formerly the residence of Prince Eugene, is home to illustrious exhibitions. The modern pavilion of the Belvedere 21, by architect Karl Schwanzer, sets the stage for contemporary art. ![Privy garden with view of the Upper Belvedere — Photo: Eva Würdinger / Belvedere, Vienna](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/full_content_width_no_crop/public/2021-06/Kammergarten_hochformat.jpg.webp?itok=ky86369v) The Belvedere’s garden is one of Europe’s most significant historical gardens in French style and, even in its pared down form today, is still a fine example of late Baroque garden design. In front of the Upper Belvedere’s outdoor steps, a large pool mirrors and duplicates the building’s façade. At the opposite end of the grounds, closest to the city on Rennweg, a *cour d’honneur* abuts the Lower Belvedere. The *Kammergarten* (Privy Garden) adjoins the Lower Belvedere to the right and continues to the Orangery at its northern end. This narrow strip on the west of the plot of land was for the sole use of the prince. Next to the Upper Belvedere, up until 1726 the grounds extended eastward to encompass a semi-circular menagerie. To the south, a geometrical kitchen garden was located in the area now occupied by Vienna’s Botanical Gardens. [Gardens](https://www.belvedere.at/en/node/43) ![Außenansicht UNteres Belvedere — Unteres Belvedere, Außenansicht — Foto: Lukas Schaller / Belvedere, Wien](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/full_content_width_no_crop/public/2023-12/_DSC3218%20Foto%20%C2%A9%20Lukas%20Schaller.jpg.webp?itok=DZI8gO2-) - **1712** — Construction work begins at the Lower Belvedere. - **1717** — Work begins at the Upper Belvedere. - **1718** — The extensive works on the Baroque park are complete; planned by the French garden architect Dominique Girard, they reflect his expertise of water technology and garden design acquired while working in Versailles. - **1719** — The Turkish ambassador Ibrahim Pasha is received at the Upper Belvedere. Francesco Solimena, the greatest exponent of Neapolitan painting in his day, is commissioned to paint an altarpiece in the palace chapel and the ceiling painting in the Gold Cabinet. Prince Eugene selects Italian frescoist Gaetano Fanti for the illusionist architectural painting in the Marble Hall. - **1720** — Carlo Carlone, a pioneer of the Rococo style, is commissioned to paint the ceiling fresco in the Upper Belvedere’s Marble Hall. - **1723** — Completion of the Upper Belvedere. - **1732** — To improve its structural stability, the Sala Terrena is remodelled into its current form by Hildebrandt. - **1736** — On April 21, Prince Eugene of Savoy dies in his Vienna City Palace. As he did not leave a legally valid will, a commission tasked by Emperor Charles VI appoints his niece Princess Victoria as his heir. - **1752** — Maria Theresa acquires the Belvedere estates. - **1770** — Lavish celebrations mark the marriage of the Emperor's daughter Maria Antonia to the French Dauphin, the future Louis XVI, on April 17 at the Belvedere. - **1776** — Maria Theresa and her son, Emperor Joseph II, decide to move the Imperial Picture Gallery from the Stallburg to the Upper Belvedere. In keeping with the ideals of Enlightened Absolutism, the imperial collection is to be made accessible to the public. - **1777** — Inauguration of the Picture Gallery at the Upper Belvedere, hence becoming one of the world’s first public museums. - **1888** — The imperial collections are relocated to the newly built Kunsthistorisches Museum. After its opening on October 17, 1891, the Belvedere palaces, for a time, are not used as a museum.. - **1896** — By decree of Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1896, the Upper Belvedere becomes the residence of the heir to the throne, Franz Ferdinand. The building undergoes renovations led by ministerial architect Emil von Förster. - **1903** — The Modern Gallery opens in the Lower Belvedere as a state museum and counterpart to the imperial collections. The intent behind its founding is to present Austrian art in an international context. The collection is enriched by acquisitions from the Ministry of Culture and the Association of Fine Artists Austria–Vienna Secession as well as by donations from private individuals. - **1908** — Gustav Klimt's Art Nouveau icon, The Kiss (Lovers), is acquired by the Imperial Ministry of Culture and Education for the Modern Gallery. - **1909** — Director Friedrich Dörnhöffer - **1912** — The Modern Gallery is converted into the Austrian State Gallery, showcasing a cross-section of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The collection's holdings are complemented by loans from the Association of Friends of the State Gallery. - **1915** — Director Franz Martin Haberditzl Extensive expansion of the collection, with prestigious donations and permanent loans from patrons such as the Bloch-Bauer, Lederer, and Wittgenstein families among others. At the request of Adele Bloch-Bauer, some of Gustav Klimt's portraits are entrusted to the Austrian State Gallery on permanent loan. - **1918** — The Austrian Gallery is expanded to include both the Upper and Lower Belvedere. - **1938** — Director Bruno Grimschitz Close connections between the museum administration and Nazi authorities are evidenced both by the considerable acquisition budget for "native German art" and by the closure of the Modern Gallery under the false claim of "saving degenerate art from confiscation." Despite substantial measures of recovery, important works such as Gustav Klimt's faculty paintings are lost. - **1945** — During World War II the palaces are severely damaged. Bomb strikes destroy parts of the Marble Hall of the Upper Belvedere and the Hall of Grotesques in the Lower Belvedere. Beginning in 1945, the Belvedere palaces undergo reconstruction and renovation. - **1947** — Director Karl Garzarolli-Thurnlackh - **1953** — On completion of repair work, museum operations at the Upper Belvedere resume as the Austrian Gallery. - **1955** — On May 15, the Austrian State Treaty is signed at the Upper Belvedere: “Austria is free!” - **1968** — Director Hans Aurenhammer Exhibition programming is determined by the ministry in charge. - **1982** — Director Hubert Adolph The 1980s are marked by financial constraints and shortened opening hours. - **1992** — Director Gerbert Frodl The 1990s bring about the modernization of federal museums under the heading "A Billion for our Museums." The two palaces undergo extensive renovations and the collections are restructured. Major exhibitions such as Claude Monet (1996), Klimt's Women (2000), and Franz Xaver Messerschmidt attract international attention and set new visitor records. - **2002** — The 20er Haus, a pavilion created by Karl Schwanzer for the 1958 World Exhibition in Brussels, is integrated into the Austrian Gallery. - **2007** — Director Agnes Husslein-Arco Installation of a White Cube at the Orangery; remodeling of the 20er Haus and reopening as the 21er Haus; enhancement of the research mandate under the umbrella of the Research Center. The Winter Palais is added as an additional exhibition venue. The Upper Belvedere is positioned as a tourist magnet. - **2016** — Dieter Bogner, Chief Financial Officer - **2017** — Stella Rollig, Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director Wolfgang Bergmann, Chief Financial Officer - **2018** — Single-brand strategy of the Belvedere with three locations: Lower Belvedere, Upper Belvedere, and the Belvedere 21 (formerly 21er Haus). ![Belvedere 21 outside — Belvedere 21, exterior view — Photo: Lukas Schaller / Belvedere, Vienna](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/full_content_width_no_crop/public/media-directories/24_DSC1869.jpg.webp?itok=xaXBZGUY) ### Belvedere 21 The building of the Belvedere 21 is considered to be an architectural icon of post-war modernism. Karl Schwanzer originally created the steel skeleton structure as the Austrian pavilion for the 1958 World's Fair in Brussels, using clear forms, glass halls, and modern building materials. After the fair, the building, which received the Grand Prix d'Architecture, was adapted for museum purposes and rebuilt in the Schweizer Garten, opening in 1962 as the Museum of the Twentieth Century. After the museum was relocated in 2002 to the then newly established Museumsquartier (Mumok), the structure was handed over to the Belvedere. In 2007, Adolf Krischanitz, a pupil of Schwanzer, began renovations and re-opened it in 2011 as the 21er Haus – Museum of Contemporary Art. In 2018, it was renamed the Belvedere 21 and positioned as a living art space in an up-and-coming urban sector of Vienna. The Belvedere 21 sculpture garden showcases works by internationally renowned artists. It is accessible free of charge. [Sculpture Garden](https://www.belvedere.at/en/node/65) ![Skulptur Chará der Künstlerin Kris Lemsalu — Kris Lemsalu, Chará, 2023 — Photo: Johannes Stoll / Belvedere, Vienna](https://www.belvedere.at/sites/default/files/styles/full_content_width_no_crop/public/2024-07/B21%20Skulpturengarten%2020240703-01.jpg.webp?itok=9DICm8J8) - **1958** — The Austrian pavilion for the world expo in Brussels was built according to the plans of Viennese architect Karl Schwanzer. After the expo, the structure, considered an icon of modern architecture, was adapted for museum purposes and rebuilt at the Schweizergarten in Vienna. The ground floor was vitrified, the courtyard covered, and the facade significantly altered. - **1962** — On September 20, the building was inaugurated as the Museum of the Twentieth Century. Within a short time the museum, commonly known as the 20er Haus, became an established and respected venue for contemporary art in Vienna. - **2001** — Prior to moving to the newly constructed Museumsquartier, the Museum of Modern Art (today’s mumok) used the building as an exhibition space. - **2002** — After being empty for a year, the building was transferred to the Belvedere. - **2007** — Architect Adolf Krischanitz, a student of Karl Schwanzer’s, was commissioned with the renovations of the building. - **2011** — In November, the renovated building was ceremoniously reopened under a new name: 21er Haus - Museum of Contemporary Art. - **2018** — In early 2018, it was renamed the Belvedere 21 and, under the strong umbrella brand of the Belvedere, repositioned as a venue for art, performance, music, and film as well as for lectures, community discussions, and artist talks – a vibrant hub in an up-and-coming urban sector of Vienna.