Discover The Kiss by Klimt in the Upper Belvedere, the jewel of Viennese modernism. Avoid confusion with other sites by booking your specific time slot in advance.
Prices and conditions
From 23 €.
Visit a baroque palace and see Gustav Klimt's masterpiece and more.
From 58,50 €.
Discover the grandeur of history and art in this Baroque palace and gardens.
From 49,50 €.
See the art by Klimt and walk through the gardens.
From 38 €.
Treat yourself to a sparkling experience at two luxurious Viennese venues.
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"Arriving at exactly 9:00 AM, we got to admire Klimt's The Kiss without the crowds. The sloping gardens require comfortable shoes, but the view over Vienna at dusk remains truly enchanting. A calm and unforgettable experience for art lovers."
"The mandatory online ticket saved us precious time compared to the physical queue. We admired Van Gogh's Sunflowers and the sculptures by Messerschmidt. The baroque architecture is sumptuous; it is an absolute must-see in the Austrian capital."
"The Schiele collection is fascinating with its angular lines. The audio guide felt a bit flat to me; we preferred the silence. Note that the Upper Belvedere is up on the hill: double-check the address before heading up the slope."
"A well-deserved break at the Schlosscafé after an intense visit. The Picture this! exhibition connects 400 years of Austrian history with perfect lighting. The view from the top-floor windows is magical, especially towards the end of the day when the light changes hue."
"We were worried about going to the wrong entrance, but the QR code scan at the door simplified everything. The technical IN-SIGHT analysis of Lampi's retouches is a gem for the curious. The staff is very welcoming and the UNESCO-listed gardens are superb."
"The €23.00 price tag might seem steep, but the bundle including the gardens is worth it. I took many photos of The Kiss without a flash, as requested. The floors can be slippery, so consider stable shoes if you are wearing heels."
"As a solo traveler, I appreciated the tranquility of the Funke galleries and the modern artworks. The chronological organization of the main exhibition is clear and educational. The queue was short because I went at 3:30 PM, a recommended time to avoid the morning rush."
"The complex of three palaces is impressive, especially the transition to Belvedere 21. We got to see the baroque sculptures by Messerschmidt and the Klimt collection. Advance booking is essential in high season to avoid losing 30 minutes at the ticket booth."
"Hildebrandt's architecture is sumptuous, but the Lower Belvedere is often confused with the Upper one, so be careful! We visited the baroque gardens, which are magnificent in autumn. The palace café serves good pastries to help digest all those visual impressions."
"A true love affair with The Kiss, a true icon of the Secession movement. The lighting on the Van Gogh works is perfect for appreciating the pigment details. The skip-the-line ticket was the best investment of our trip to Vienna; nothing to complain about regarding the overall experience."
"A wonderful discovery of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to today. Messerschmidt's Madonna and Child group impressed me with its polychromy. The crowds around Klimt remain dense, even if you arrive early, but the quality of the service more than compensates for this minor frustration."
"The UNESCO-listed gardens offer a soothing walk before visiting the palaces. The IN-SIGHT exhibition on the painter Lampi is an incredible technical discovery. Make sure to arrive early; the lines after 10:30 AM are endless if you aim to see the major works like Klimt's."
Everything you need to plan your visit
PMR
Full access to main buildings with elevators. Verification recommended for steep gardens.
Family
Family-friendly with accompanied children. Audio guides available to make the visit interactive.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
A unique complex divided into three distinct entities
Average visitor rating
Distinct sites not to be confused
Extended summer hours
The Belvedere Palace is much more than just a museum; it is a classified Baroque architectural ensemble housing 800 years of Austrian art history. To see Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, you must go to the Upper Belvedere. The other sites, Lower Belvedere and Belvedere 21, host separate temporary and contemporary exhibitions.
It is crucial to distinguish the three sites to optimize your time. The Upper Belvedere houses the permanent collection, including masterpieces by Klimt and Schiele. This is where The Kiss, the iconic work of Viennese modernism, is located. Do not go to the Lower Belvedere if your only goal is to see this painting.
The Lower Belvedere primarily serves as a gallery for classical and historical temporary exhibitions. Although architecturally magnificent, it does not contain the major permanent collection. As for Belvedere 21, this modern building dedicated to contemporary art complements the offer but remains distinct from the classic circuit centered on Klimt.
Confusing these locations often leads to precious lost time. Most tourists are specifically looking for The Kiss and risk visiting the wrong building. By booking a targeted ticket for the Upper Belvedere, you guarantee a smooth visit focused on your main artistic expectations without deviation.
The Kiss (Die Umarmung) is the absolute icon of the Belvedere, located on the first floor of the Upper Belvedere. This work by Gustav Klimt symbolizes love and Viennese modernism with its characteristic golden ornamentation. It is surrounded by other major paintings by Klimt such as Judith or Water Garden, offering a rich context.
The collection also juxtaposes the expressionist works of Egon Schiele, creating a striking contrast between the ornamental sensuality of Klimt and the nervous tension of Schiele. Paintings by Vincent van Gogh are also present, often unknown to the general public. This diversity considerably enriches the visual and historical experience of the place, offering a unique perspective on Viennese modernism.
To fully appreciate these works, allow approximately 1h30 to 2h for the visit in the Upper Belvedere. The audio guide available in several languages is highly recommended to understand the hidden symbols behind Klimt's compositions. It transforms simple observation into a deep immersion in the cultural context of late 19th-century Vienna, revealing essential symbolic details.
Hours vary by season, with extended openings from 9am to 7pm in summer (July-August). In winter, closing is generally at 6pm. It is imperative to check specific time slots when booking online, as access may be regulated by hour to avoid saturation, especially in front of The Kiss.
Arriving at opening, around 9:00 am or 10:00 am depending on the period, allows you to visit the main halls before the massive influx of tourist groups. Midday and weekends are particularly busy. A reservation with a morning time slot guarantees a calmer experience and allows you to take photos without human obstacles.
The Baroque gardens connecting the two castles are free to access, but entry into the covered galleries or pavilions sometimes requires a ticket. Check access conditions for outdoor spaces if you wish to extend your walk after the museum visit. The gardens offer a peaceful break from the bustle of the rooms.
Smart casual attire is required to enter this imperial palace. Avoid short shorts, overly casual t-shirts, or bare feet. Staff may refuse entry for disrespecting the venue, even in peak summer heat. Prefer comfortable but closed shoes, as palace floors can be slippery and gardens sloped.
Photography is allowed in the permanent rooms, but under strict conditions: total ban on flashes and tripods. These rules protect the ancient pigments of sensitive artworks. Also respect the silence and distance guidelines imposed by guards, particularly in front of The Kiss where space is restricted by crowds.
Remember to check if your ticket includes temporary exhibitions. Some 'Gold Pass' rates cover all three sites, while others are specific to the Upper Belvedere. If you are not passionate about contemporary art or temporary exhibits, the standard ticket is sufficient for a first visit centered on classic Viennese modernism.
Viennese Modernism and Absolute Masterpieces
Insider Tips
Queues for The Kiss are huge after 10:30 AM. Arriving exactly at 9:00 AM ensures a calm and contemplative experience. Guards are less busy, and morning light perfectly illuminates Klimt's golden canvases.
Flash is strictly prohibited as it damages ancient pigments. Use a high ISO setting if you are in dark interiors. Also respect the ban on tripods in the permanent galleries to avoid disturbing other visitors.
The Upper Belvedere is the upper building on the hill, while the Lower is at the bottom. This frequent confusion costs valuable time. Check your GPS route to point directly to the Upper Belvedere where the permanent collection is located.
Avoid the queue at the physical ticket office, which can exceed 30 minutes in high season. The QR code scan at the entrance is fast and secure. Choose your precise time slot to guarantee immediate access to the main galleries.
The gardens are sloped, and palace floors can be slippery with high heels. Prefer stable, closed-toe shoes. You will walk a lot between the different pavilions and interior stairs to explore the full richness of the site.
After your visit, relax at the palace café to digest the intense art. Enjoy the view of the gardens from the terrace. It's the perfect moment to discuss your impressions of Klimt and Schiele in a preserved historical setting.
For art lovers, the audio guide is essential to understand the symbolic context of Klimt. It greatly enriches the visit by decoding hidden motifs. Without it, you risk missing the narrative depth of The Kiss.
Even in summer, avoid overly light or casual outfits. Staff may refuse entry for disrespecting the venue. Wear long trousers or covering dresses to respect the code of an imperial palace still active as a major cultural hub.
Choose your tickets online and check their conditions before booking.
Book my ticketsLittle-known anecdotes
The Kiss is the museum's most photographed work, the absolute symbol of Viennese Modernism. With an average rating of 4.6/5 stars, it attracts millions of visitors every year who come to capture this eternal moment between the golden lovers.
The complex is divided into three distinct architectural entities: Upper, Lower, and Belvedere 21. These 3 buildings offer different museographic experiences, ranging from classical painting to the boldest contemporary art.
Although less known here than in Amsterdam, the Belvedere houses major works by Van Gogh. This collection is part of an artistic history spanning 800 years, linking Flemish masters to Viennese modernists like Klimt.
The baroque gardens connecting the two castles are a must-visit walking spot. Listed for their exceptional Baroque style, they are free to access and offer a peaceful setting away from the crowded museum halls.
The permanent collection juxtaposes the styles of Klimt and Schiele, offering a striking contrast. This confrontation perfectly illustrates Viennese Modernism, where golden ornamentation meets raw, emotional expressionism.
Direct access via online tickets allows you to skip the line at the physical ticket office. This Direct Access is crucial during peak hours, ensuring smooth entry into the Upper Belvedere without waiting in the sun.
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Make time to explore the surrounding area
5 min walk
Former Habsburg palace located just downhill, housing the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Lower Belvedere.
0 min (on site)
Historic café within the Baroque garden, ideal for a gourmet break after visiting the collections in the Belvedere Palace.
0 min (on-site)
UNESCO-listed park connecting the two castles, offering shaded walks and panoramic views of Vienna from the French-style gardens.
15 min walk
Temple of Viennese Expressionism near the Naschmarkt, a must-see for more works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka.
10 min walk
Baroque masterpiece with its façade sculpted by Fischer von Erlach, overlooking Peterplatz and serving as the backdrop for imperial processions.
8 min walk
Historic square facing the Hofburg Palace, the political and cultural heart of Vienna, perfect for a stroll before heading to the Belvedere 21.
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Weyringergasse (8 min walk) Bus : Argentinierstraße (5 min walk)
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Everything you need to know before your visit
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
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Quick comparison with other major sites
| Belvedere Palace | Kunsthistorisches Museum | Leopold Museum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year established | 1714 | 1891 | 1994 |
| Adult price | 18€ | 18€ | 16€ |
| Visit duration | 1h30-2h | 2h30-3h | 1h-1h30 |
| Key feature | Klimt & Schiele Collection | Old Masters & Beethoven | Pure Viennese Expressionism |
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