Top 10 Masterpieces to See at the Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Art Gallery Vienna is one of those rare places where art, architecture, and emotion meet. The moment I walked through the grand entrance of the Upper Belvedere, I felt transported into another era — surrounded by marble staircases, gilded ceilings, and the quiet hum of awe from visitors standing before Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss.

This Baroque palace, built in the 18th century for Prince Eugene of Savoy, now holds Austria’s most remarkable art collection. From Klimt’s golden masterpieces to Schiele’s intense Expressionism and Canaletto’s historic landscapes, every gallery tells a story of Vienna’s creative soul.

In this guide, I’ll share the 10 masterpieces that left the strongest impression on me and on countless visitors, along with insights into why each one captures the essence of Austrian art. Whether you’re an art lover or a first-time traveler to Vienna, these works will make your visit to the Belvedere Palace Vienna unforgettable.

The History and Significance of the Belvedere Palace

A Baroque Gem on Vienna's Outskirts

The Belvedere Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the early 18th century by Prince Eugene of Savoy. Originally designed as a summer residence, the palace complex consists of two main buildings: the Upper and Lower Belvedere. The stunning gardens connecting the two buildings are a testament to Baroque landscape design and offer breathtaking views of Vienna, situated on the picturesque outskirts of the city.

Today, the Belvedere Palace Vienna serves as one of the city’s most prestigious art museums, known internationally for its collection of Austrian masterpieces spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works — including Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka.

Top 10 Masterpieces to See at the Belvedere Art Gallery

1. The Kiss by Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss is the crown jewel of the Belvedere Palace Vienna, forming the centerpiece of the museum’s world-famous Klimt collection. This painting alone draws thousands of visitors each year to the Upper Belvedere, where it’s displayed in a beautifully curated gallery. Painted during his "Golden Phase," this masterpiece symbolizes love and intimacy, adorned with shimmering gold leaf and intricate patterns.

Why You Should See It: The Kiss is a global icon of art and a testament to Klimt’s innovative style. Seeing it in person offers a deeper appreciation for its texture and detail.

Location: Upper Belvedere

2. Judith by Gustav Klimt

Klimt’s Judith (1901) is one of his most powerful and provocative works. Depicting the biblical heroine who decapitated Holofernes, the painting captures a blend of seduction and dominance that shocked audiences at the time. The gold background and sensuous expression embody Klimt’s fascination with the female form and his ability to merge eroticism with symbolism.

Highlights: This portrait is often interpreted as an allegory of female strength and independence — a bold contrast to the submissive ideals of the early 1900s. Klimt’s golden palette and shimmering details make Judith an unforgettable experience up close.

3. Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David

This neoclassical masterpiece by Jacques-Louis David presents Napoleon Bonaparte as a heroic and almost mythical leader. Painted around 1801, it idealizes Napoleon’s crossing of the Alps, turning a military maneuver into a symbol of courage and power. David’s use of dynamic composition, with Napoleon pointing upward and his cloak billowing in the wind, makes this one of the most dramatic portraits of leadership in art history.

Why It Matters: The painting captures the spirit of early 19th-century Europe, where art was used to glorify rulers and inspire nations. It stands out at the Belvedere as an international treasure that complements Austria’s own artistic achievements.

4. The Maiden by Egon Schiele

Egon Schiele’s The Maiden (1913) represents one of the most emotional works in the Belvedere Museum Vienna. Known for his raw and expressive style, Schiele explores intimacy and transformation as intertwined themes. The intertwined bodies in the painting reflect his fascination with the human form and the tension between love and mortality.

Why You Should See It: Schiele’s use of distorted figures and bold colors captures the intensity of human emotion like few others. This masterpiece marks a defining moment in Austrian Expressionism and is a must-see for modern art lovers.

5. Self-Portrait by Friedrich von Amerling

Friedrich von Amerling’s Self-Portrait showcases the artist’s technical brilliance and his mastery of light and texture. A leading Austrian painter of the 19th century, Amerling specialized in portraits of the nobility and bourgeoisie. This work reveals not only his talent but also his self-confidence — a hallmark of Romantic-era artists.

Notable Features: The soft handling of fabric, the lifelike skin tones, and the intense yet introspective gaze reveal why Amerling was regarded as one of the most accomplished portraitists of his generation.

6. The Giant’s Morning by Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller

Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller’s The Giant’s Morning captures the grandeur of the Austrian landscape at dawn. As a pioneer of realism, Waldmüller brought an almost photographic precision to his work. The painting’s soft morning light and natural tones evoke peace and harmony while showcasing his deep appreciation for nature.

Why It’s Unique: Waldmüller’s technique of capturing sunlight gives this painting an almost glowing quality. It reflects the romantic ideal of finding divine beauty in nature — a theme central to Austrian 19th-century painting.

7. Venus and Adonis by Josef Abel

Josef Abel’s Venus and Adonis brings to life the mythological tale of love and loss between the goddess Venus and the mortal Adonis. Painted in a neoclassical style, the work combines idealized human forms with emotional drama, reminiscent of ancient Greek sculpture and Renaissance art.

Why You Should See It: The painting exemplifies Vienna’s connection to classical traditions while also highlighting Abel’s ability to blend mythology with tenderness. It’s a timeless story of love rendered with elegance and precision.

8. View of Vienna from the Belvedere by Canaletto

Canaletto’s View of Vienna from the Belvedere (1758–61) offers a rare historical glimpse into the city as seen from the palace gardens. Famous for his detailed cityscapes, Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal) captures Vienna’s skyline with extraordinary precision, making it both an artistic and historical document.

Why It’s Special: The work connects visitors directly to the location they are standing in — you can step outside the museum and recognize the same skyline centuries later. It’s a fascinating bridge between art and reality.

9. Portrait of Fritza Riedler by Gustav Klimt

Another gem by Klimt, Portrait of Fritza Riedler (1906) exemplifies his blend of realism and ornamental abstraction. The sitter, elegantly dressed and surrounded by decorative motifs, represents the refined beauty and modern spirit of Viennese society during the early 20th century.

Highlights: Klimt’s use of geometric patterns and gold tones, balanced by the subject’s calm expression, creates a sense of harmony between humanity and design. This portrait captures the sophistication of Vienna’s fin-de-siècle culture.

10. The Family by Oskar Kokoschka

Oskar Kokoschka’s The Family (1913–14) is one of the artist’s most personal and emotionally charged works. Reflecting his turbulent relationship with Alma Mahler, the painting uses vivid brushstrokes and intense colors to convey both intimacy and psychological depth. The figures, loosely intertwined, seem to float in an undefined space — a hallmark of Kokoschka’s Expressionist style.

Why You Should See It: The Family marks a turning point in modern Austrian art, where emotion triumphs over form. It’s a deeply human painting that mirrors the cultural and emotional upheaval of pre–World War I Vienna.

Tips for Visiting the Belvedere Art Museum Vienna

How to Get Tickets

• Buy Tickets Online: Secure your visit by purchasing tickets in advance. Book your tickets here.
• Ticket Options: Choose between standard admission, guided tours, or combo tickets for the Upper and Lower Belvedere.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
• Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, Vienna
• Getting There: Take tram D to "Schloss Belvedere" or walk from the Hauptbahnhof.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Belvedere

Is the Belvedere Palace in Vienna city center? Yes — it’s located in the 3rd district, just a short walk or tram ride from the Vienna city center.

How long should I spend at the Belvedere? Plan at least 2 hours for the Upper Belvedere (where Klimt’s The Kiss is displayed) and another hour if you visit the Lower Belvedere and gardens.

Can I take photos inside the museum? Photography is allowed in most galleries for personal use, but flash and tripods are prohibited.

Are there combo tickets available? Yes, you can buy combined tickets for the Upper and Lower Belvedere, often including the gardens and temporary exhibitions.

The Belvedere’s Relationship to Vienna

Nestled in the heart of Vienna’s outskirts, the Belvedere Palace offers more than art; it’s a window into the city’s soul. The gardens provide a serene escape, and the palace’s vantage point offers sweeping views of Vienna’s skyline. A visit here is a step into Austria’s cultural and historical narrative.

For more insights and travel tips, explore our blog at Viennatrips.com.