Library
Wienbibliothek im Rathaus
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
Wienbibliothek im Rathaus is a library in Vienna, Austria.
About Wienbibliothek im Rathaus
Overview & Identity
The Wienbibliothek im Rathaus (Vienna Library in City Hall) serves as the central scientific library and archive dedicated to the history and cultural history of Vienna. Formerly known as the Wiener Stadt- und Landesbibliothek until 2006, it functions as the 'memory of the city,' preserving materials that document Vienna's political, cultural, and intellectual life over six centuries. As a scientific reference library, it provides access to its vast holdings for research while actively engaging with the public through exhibitions, guided tours, and digital initiatives to foster a living dialogue between past and present.
History & Founding
While the earliest preserved mention of a library in the Vienna City Hall dates to 1466, the institution in its current form was founded on April 28, 1856, by a resolution of the Vienna City Council under Mayor Johann Kaspar von Schwarzenberg. Initially established as a municipal library for the city administration, it was originally located in the Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus) at Wipplingerstraße 8. In 1886, the library moved to its current location in the New City Hall. A significant reorganization occurred in 1889 when the city archives were separated to form an independent department, and the library was merged with the Historical Museum of the City of Vienna to create the 'City Collections'. The institution survived World War II largely unscathed thanks to the evacuation of its holdings.
Building & Architecture
Since 1886, the Wienbibliothek has been housed in the first floor of the New Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), a monumental neo-Gothic building designed by architect Friedrich von Schmidt. The library occupies specific rooms within this historic structure, including the famous Loos Rooms, which are part of its guided tour offerings. The building itself stands as a significant architectural landmark in Vienna, having been constructed to serve as the seat of the city government. The library's presence within the Rathaus underscores its role as an integral part of the city's administrative and cultural heart, with its reading rooms and magazines located on the first floor.
Collection Highlights & Notable Holdings
The library preserves an extensive collection comprising approximately 500,000 books, 2,000 newspapers and magazines, 300,000 posters, and 500,000 autographs. It holds one of the most important music collections in the world and significant bequests from public, artistic, and scientific personalities. The holdings include literature, manuscripts, and a vast array of historic newspapers published in Vienna. The collection also features the art database of the city and materials from six centuries of history, ranging from medieval documents to modern digital archives. Notable acquisitions include the library of the Bürgerschule transferred in 1632 and various legacies that expanded the holdings in the late 19th century.
Plan your visit
Wienbibliothek im Rathaus
- Website
- www.wienbibliothek.at