Vienna - Austrian National Library

(Local Name: Österreichische Nationalbibliothek) The Austrian National Library is housed in the commanding Baroque building on Josefsplatz. It was built during the reign of Charles VI to plans by Fischer von Erlach, father and son, between 1723 and 1726. Nikolaus Pacassi made some changes in 1763-69. The Baroque building was originally free standing, but it was linked by the Redouten range (seriously damaged by fire in 1992 and now being rebuilt) to the Hofburg in 1760. The huge central section is crowned by a group of statues depicting the goddess Minerva with her chariot, drawn by four steeds; it is by L. Mattielli and dates from 1725. The National Library, formerly the Court Library, came into the possession of the state in 1920 and is now one of the world's major libraries. Its extensive collection goes back to the 14th C. The first Imperial Library Director was appointed in the 16th C., and in the 17th C. the collections were kept in the upper story of the Reitschule. By the 18th C. there was no longer enough space available in the "Burg" and it was obvious that a new building would have to be provided. The total collection of the National Library amounts at present to some 2.5million books. In addition, there are the following special collections: prints, manuscripts and incunabula, maps and globes, papyri, portraits and photographic archives, music and theatrical collections and an Esperanto museum. The "New" building long ago became too small, and it was necessary to expand into the south wing on Josefsplatz and into the Neue Burg.

The library often hosts special exhibitions.