Belvedere Palace, Vienna

The Belvedere Palace was built in the early 18^th century as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy and now houses one of Austria’s most renowned art collections.

The Belvedere Palace was built by Prince Eugene of Savoy, a skilled military leader who served the Habsburg Monarchy.  Known for his victories over the Ottoman Empire, he also had a deep passion for books, art and architecture.

What makes the Belvedere unique is its location within two Baroque palaces: the Upper and Lower Belvedere.  These architectural gems feature grand frescoes, marble halls, and an impressive central staircase.  The formal gardens between the two palaces are filled with fountains, sculptures, and beautiful manicured terraces.

In 1752, Maria Theresa bought the Belvedere and hosted a grand masked ball to celebrate her daughter Marie Antoinette’s upcoming marriage to the future French king, Louis XVI.  By 1776, she turned the palace into one of the world’s first public museums, showcasing the Imperial art collection.

In 1903, the Modern Gallery opened, dedicated to Austrian art.  Five years later, Gustav Klimt’s famous painting ‘The Kiss’ was acquired while still on display at an exhibition.  Painted during Klimt’s “Golden Period”, the work features a couple in a loving embrace draped in gold leaf, using a technique he had just developed, while the background is filled with delicate gold, silver, and platinum flakes.  In Belvedere’s collection for over a century, the painting remains its most iconic piece.

The Belvedere complex now houses a rich collection of art, ranging from Baroque masterpieces to modern Austrian works.  Its stunning architecture, including grand interior designs, showcases both artistic masterpieces and remarkable historical craftmanship.