The House of Liechtenstein has two palaces in Vienna. One in the city center and a garden palace a bit further afield. Or at least it was a bit further afield when it was built, because now it is only a short walk from the city center. The Gartenpalais Liechtenstein opens its portals to the public when it has an exhibition on display or when a company pays for a private event. So far, although I live around the corner, I have only been inside once at such an event. But last weekend I took the chance, as it was open for the exhibition “Noble Begierden” about the history of the European art market.
Gartenpalais Liechtenstein @Vienna
There is no entrance fee and the Gartenpalais offers tours in English and German. The exhibition will conclude on April 6th, 2026, which is still plenty of time for a visit. Already the stairs up to the first floor were impressive. Their large ceiling fresco made me crane my neck constantly.
stairs to the first floor @Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
The rooms are all painted in different colors to showcase the art better. As much as I liked looking at some of the paintings, I mostly enjoyed strolling through the many rooms. Look, for example, at this sculpture with a painting of one of the Liechtensteins in the background. Isn’t the fireplace underneath the painting exquisite?
beautiful sculpture and a painting of a Liechtenstein @Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
The Badminton Cabinet, commissioned by Henry Somerset, the third Duke of Beaufort, while on his European tour at the age of nineteen, took six years to build. Looking at this fantastic work gives a new meaning to shopping while traveling. I bring things back with me from my many trips, but never in this size. Also, I would hate to wait such a long time for a delivery. In the case of this cabinet though, I have to say it was worthwhile. It was bought in 2004 by the Prince of Liechtenstein for 19 million GBP and ended up in the Gartenpalais.
Badminton cabinet @Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
The painting “Birth of Venus” is interesting, as I once read that the genitals of both sexes were usually strategically covered by whatever was available or made sense. From flowers to clouds to animals, everything was possible, as long as the nude parts were sufficiently concealed. But maybe this one is from a later date and the public was not quite so prudish anymore.
Birth of Venus @Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
One of my favorite exhibits were the three Monet paintings of the English Parliament in London. Same motif, different light. Of course it is not perfectly captured in my shot, but when you stand in front of them you feel enchanted.
English Parliament by Monet @Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
As a book lover I found the library the most beautiful room of the palace. Actually it is two rooms, a smaller entry room and a really large second room. Both are full of books behind a safety net so that no one can touch any of the masterpieces, with a gallery in each room as well. Just imagine having such a storage place at home.
library @Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
On the way to the garden I passed the wonderful Golden Carriage from 1738, commissioned by another Prince of Liechtenstein. By the looks of it the carriage befitted his rank as imperial ambassador to the French court.
Golden Carriage @Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
But whatever you do, taking a guided tour through the exhibition or foregoing a look inside at all, do not miss the garden in the back. It is always open to the public, no matter if the palace has anything on display. It is a quiet haven in this area. Yours, Pollybert
back view of the palace @Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
garden and view on the another palace @Gartenpalais Liechtenstein
Gartenpalais Lichtenstein
1090 Wien, Fürstengasse 1
Tel: +43 1 31957670
Email: office@palaisliechtenstein.com
https://www.palaisliechtenstein.com/en/garden-palace/general-information.html
