The Museum

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. 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.

Contemporary art, film, music, and events in a modern pavilion. Today, the Belvedere 21 is a is a thriving art space and meeting place within Vienna's urban district of the future. The building is considered an architectural icon of post-war Modernism. Initially designed by Karl Schwanzer as the Austrian pavilion for the 1958 World's Fair in Brussels, it was later adapted for the museum's purposes and opened in 1962 as the Museum of the Twentieth Century. Under the name 20er Haus, it soon established itself as a vibrant hub. In 2002 the building was transferred to the Belvedere.

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.

Built according to Lucas von Hildebrandt's plans, the construction of the Upper Belvedere took place between the years 1717 and 1723. In the days of Prince Eugene, it served primarily for state functions, large festivals, and formal receptions. After his death, the palace with its beautiful view became an imperial painting gallery that was open to the public.

The Lower Belvedere was completed in 1716 and marked the boundary between the Baroque building complex and the imperial city of Vienna. Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt planned the Lower Belvedere for Prince Eugene as a residential building, with staterooms that illustrate the Baroque lifestyle and craftsmanship. Today, the rooms of the Lower Belvedere and the Orangery are used for exhibitions and events.

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.

The Baroque gardens of the Belvedere rank among the most beautiful in the world. The main garden is situated between the Lower and the Upper Belvedere and extends over three large terraces. The design, by Dominique Girard, garden architect of the Elector of Bavaria, showcases all the essential elements of Baroque garden architecture: symmetrical flower parterres, water basins, tiers and steps, trimmed hedges, and more.

The former private garden of Prince Eugene, known as the Kammergarten (Privy Garden), offers a particularly secluded ambiance. It is located west of the Lower Belvedere and divided into two terraces. At one time, this garden area was bordered to the north by the orangery and to the south by an aviary. In between, there were fountains, ornately decorated pavilions with pergolas, and magnificent parterre areas ablaze with flowers, all reserved exclusively for the former landlord and his closest companions.

Outdoor sculptures are part of the overall architectural concept of the Belvedere 21. Due to reconstruction work on the passage to the adjacent Schweizergarten (Swiss Garden), only a few works by well-known artists are currently on display.

The Belvedere park is home to the oldest Alpine garden in Europe and houses the Austrian Federal Gardens’ valuable historical Alpine plant collection.  Established in 1803 by the Archdukes Johann, Rainer, and Anton at Schönbrunn Palace park, it was transferred to the gardens of the Belvedere in 1865. Unique attractions are the rhododendron blossoms that start flowering in April and a collection of more than 100 Japanese bonsai. The Alpine Garden is open to the public every year during peak flowering season, from the end of March to the beginning of August.

The Botanical Garden adjoins the Belvedere park. Established in 1754 under Empress Maria Theresa, it is now an independent division of the University of Vienna. The expansive grounds include open spaces and greenhouses and are home to thousands of species including medicinal plants, which were the foundation of the garden originally. The special collections containing orchids, succulents, and Pannonian plants are of great importance for species conservation and biodiversity research.

Fritz Wotruba is known as one of the most influential Austrian sculptors of the 20th century. The Fritz Wotruba Private Foundation at the Belvedere 21 administers his extensive artistic and documentary estate. In the Wotruba Depot, you will find stone and bronze sculptures as well as plaster models. The study room gives you access to drawings and prints, the artist's written estate, the photo archive, and the library.

The Blickle Kino at the Belvedere 21 is the only wholly intact cinema from the 1950s in Vienna. The generous support of Ursula Blickle allowed for the renovation of this extraordinary cinema, which architect Karl Schwanzer designed initially as part of the World Exhibition Pavilion in Brussels. Today, the Blickle Kino meets all cinematic standards and features a variety of programs, including the Blickle Archive Series.