There’s a popular saying, “Never leave Vienna without the Kiss,” highlighting just how essential Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece “The Kiss” is to any Vienna itinerary. This post is dedicated to Belvedere Palace—a must-see in Vienna, Austria—where “The Kiss” is housed, making it an essential stop for art lovers and travelers alike.
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Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)
Belvedere Palace is an architectural gem designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, constructed as the summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, a celebrated military hero of the Habsburg dynasty.
Renowned as a masterpiece of Austrian Baroque architecture, the palace is lavishly decorated from the outside in, true to Baroque style. Originally a property of the royal family, Belvedere became state-owned after Austria became a republic following World War I. Today, it serves as one of Vienna’s premier art museums.
Belvedere Palace is divided into the Lower Belvedere, completed in 1717, and the Upper Belvedere, finished in 1723, with a stunning garden between them. The Belvedere Gardens are open to the public for free, making them a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll.
Upper Belvedere
The Upper Belvedere is particularly famous for housing Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” Therefore, this post will primarily focus on the Upper Belvedere.
At the very center of the Upper Belvedere is the magnificent Marble Hall—the palace’s most dazzling space, featuring high ceilings, splendid chandeliers, and mesmerizing frescoes.
Belvedere Palace is a must-visit on any Vienna trip, and Klimt’s works are internationally beloved. As such, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Initially, I tried to visit without a reservation, only to find out tickets were sold out for the day. I had to quickly book for the following day online. Not only does booking online guarantee your entry, but you’ll also get a discount—so make sure to reserve your spot in advance!
Operating Hours
- Daily, 09:00 – 19:00
Ticket Prices
- Adults: €21 (on-site: €22.5)
- Students under 26 & seniors over 65: €17 (on-site: €19)
- Free entry for visitors under 19 (Reservation recommended)
Official Belvedere Palace Website: Belvedere Museum Vienna
How to Reserve Tickets for Belvedere Palace
Through the official Belvedere Museum ticket page, you can reserve for the Upper and Lower Belvedere, as well as Belvedere 21. Simply select your destination of choice.
Select your desired date and time. Even now, popular time slots are often sold out, so especially during peak seasons, book at least a day in advance.
Choose tickets based on your group size; you can also add an audio guide at checkout. The “The Belvedere and its History” tour offers many language options too—just add it if you need it, then click ‘Add to cart.’
Next, review your shopping cart, then click ‘Next’ if everything looks good.
You’ll then need to provide your contact information to receive your tickets via email—double-check your email address. After this, you’ll proceed to payment. Payment can be made by credit card or PayPal; once complete, your tickets will arrive by email.
Exhibitions and Art Highlights
The Belvedere Museum houses an impressive collection of world-famous works, with a special focus on Austrian art from the 19th to early 20th century.
While I initially came for Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele’s paintings, I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of sculptures and works by other renowned artists like Claude Monet.
There’s also an impressive altar piece and decorative sculptures, likely created in the 1440s. Though ancient, the vivid colors and excellent preservation make them look almost newly made.
A notable bronze bust of Maria Theresa—Habsburg’s only female ruler and a brilliant political leader—can also be found here.
You’ll also encounter Jacques-Louis David’s “Napoleon Crossing the Alps,” arguably the most famous painting of Napoleon, of which several versions exist—this is one of them. Monet’s “Pathway in Monet’s Garden at Giverny” is here too. As always, Monet’s work exudes peace and calm.
Gustav Klimt
The main reason so many visitors flock to Belvedere is to see Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” The artwork itself is quite large, with real gold leaf that shimmers in the gallery. While it is visually impressive, I personally found myself drawn more to Klimt’s impressionistic landscapes, which reminded me of Monet’s style, blending multiple artistic influences.
Klimt was, after all, a pioneer of the Vienna Secession movement, known for breaking free from traditional styles to create something entirely original.
Of Klimt’s well-known works, I actually prefer “Judith” over “The Kiss,” but sadly, it was on loan to Berlin during my visit.
Among the many Klimt pieces at Belvedere, one in particular stood out to me for its remarkable realism—almost as if the figure was three-dimensional. The way the necklace and bracelet seem to truly sparkle, despite being painted, kept me captivated for a long time.
Egon Schiele
Egon Schiele’s “Death and the Maiden” is one of his signature pieces, alongside his self-portraits. While its composition echoes Klimt’s “The Kiss,” the atmosphere is entirely different, which I found intriguing.
Schiele is known for his raw, expressive depiction of human anguish and physicality, with exaggerated body proportions and sharp lines—a style reflecting his tragic life.
One touching piece, “The Family,” was painted while his wife was pregnant. Tragically, both his wife and unborn child succumbed to the Spanish flu, and Schiele himself died soon after. “The Family” remains only as a painting, making it all the more poignant.
Final Thoughts
Today, I’ve shared an in-depth look at the exhibitions and practical reservation guide for Belvedere Palace, including highlights from Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. With so many famous artworks and unexpected gems, Belvedere is absolutely worth a visit on any trip to Vienna, Austria. If you plan to go, don’t forget to book your tickets in advance!
If you love art, history, or just want to experience Vienna’s cultural treasures, Belvedere Palace is not to be missed. Happy travels!
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