Literature Museum of the Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library’s Literature Museum is a literature museum located on Johannesgasse 6 in Vienna’s 1st district.On April 17, 2015, it debuted.

The house, which was erected in 1843/44 according to Paul Sprenger’s ideas, is one of the oldest archive buildings in Central Europe.The original entrance was robbed of its purpose and the ground floor was modified beyond recognition when the listed archive ensemble was converted into a museum, despite the complaints of several famous historians.It held the kk Hofkammerarchiv, a financial authority of the Habsburg empire, from 1848.Until 2006, the Hofkammerarchiv was housed in this building, which was managed by the Austrian State Archives.On the second floor is the old study of Austrian poet and former director of the kk Hofkammerarchiv Franz Grillparzer.The museum includes Franz Grillparzer’s office.

On two levels, a permanent display presents Austrian literature from the late 18th century to the present.It focuses on writers and literary phenomena that were significant inside the borders of Austria.From 2016, the third floor will be used for temporary exhibits.There is approximately 750 m 2 of display space available.Rooms on the ground and fourth floors are also available for readings and seminars.

Objects on display are from the collections of the Austrian National Library and other organizations.There is also a section for visually and culturally intriguing things, in addition to books, manuscripts, letters, drawings, and photographs.The book for the permanent exhibition The Literature Museum. 101 Objects and Stories highlights the most significant items on display.