Private Tour of the Belvedere Palace with an Art Historian: "Pictures of Austrian Identities". Art & History Tour with Skip-the-line Tickets
Description
How would you describe Vienna - the capital of culture? The birthplace of the waltz? The birthplace of psychoanalysis? All of these, and more, are true characteristics of the Austrian capital. The Genius Loci (spirit of place) is packed with details and you won't find them in quite as many places as in Belvedere. Do you want to discover what works of art from the different eras can tell you about the specific Austrian and Viennese identity? Then take a tour of the Belvedere and gain an insight into the different facets of the national character. In Gustav Klimt's golden "Judith" and "The Kiss" we can explore why female sexuality is the focus of medical interest in Vienna. The troubling mood of Egon Schiele's "Embrace" and "The Girl and Death" can also help us understand why this city became the birthplace of psychoanalysis. The ornate baroque decoration of the palace, the accent on the ancient heroic themes will explain the special imperial atmosphere of the city, in which the Viennese live and in which tourists so eagerly dive. And Ferdinand Waldmüller's pellucid paintings will try to enchant us by showing the famous "Viennese cosiness" and we have to make an effort to see what tragedies lie behind these well-marketed images. The gilding of medieval altars and Klimt's golden masterpieces, the sparks of intellectual life and Viennese humour that glimmer through the sombre paintings of Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka - what really makes this famous palace's collection shine? And what exactly shows us the true face of the (former imperial) capital? The answers to these questions await you in the galleries of Belvedere Palace.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The palace's architecture and history as well as numerous outstanding artworks in its galleries conceal the spirit of this city and in this private Belvedere Tour, we will make it visible. We will see and discuss the architecture of the Belvedere Palace and take an extensive tour through its collections from Middle Age art to the 20th century paintings including famous "Kiss" by Gustav Klimt.
We will begin our tour at the entrance to Belvedere Palace, and you will not only enjoy a stunning view of the garden and the historic center of Vienna, but also learn its symbolic meaning.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please come punctually to the meeting point at the main entrance of the Belvedere Palace (also called the Upper Belvedere where the Museum is located). Your guide will be waiting for you on the right side of the main entrance of the Belvedere Palace (it is at your right if you look at it from the front, it is at your left, if you turn your back to it). If you see a breathtaking view of Vienna, you found the meeting point. If you see the palace but not the city view, then please move to the entrance on the opposite side of the building. Just follow the "Museum entrance" sign. Use the contact details on your confirmation/voucher if you have any questions or have difficulties finding the meeting point or your guide.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Reviews(26)
Julia was amazing , explained to us art in simple terms. She was very knowledgeable, as I was looking for information about Klimt and his famous Kiss.
Dear Inna, Thank you for your kind words! I am so glad I could answer your questions about Klimt and provide the context that museum displays don't always fully cover. It was a true pleasure to explore the Belvedere’s masterpieces with you. I hope you took home wonderful memories of Vienna!
Super insights and great tour ! Especially loved the Napoleon picture ! Highly recommend doing a tour as this Castle is always very crowded and you might miss the specialties of it !
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm truly happy to hear you enjoyed the tour and especially the iconic portrait of Napoleon — the arrangement of the paintings in this room offers a variety of different perspectives! The Belvedere can indeed be quite busy, so I’m glad the tour helped you discover its hidden highlights and historical layers in a more focused way. I sincerely appreciate your recommendation. Wishing you many more inspiring art experiences ahead! Julia
Julia was fantastic sharing her knowledge of art history as a background to seeing the Klimpt works.
Dear Bruce, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour of the Belvedere and appreciated the art historical insights into Klimt’s works. It was a pleasure to share my passion for art and history with you. I hope these impressions stay with you for a long time — and perhaps we’ll meet again on another discovery tour of Vienna!
Our guide, Julia, jump started the tour with an explanation of the exterior of the Belvedere. Julia really understands the visual arts and provided us with detailed explanations of the importance and symbolism the artists were conveying. She thoroughly explained the connections and interpretations of the many pieces and how those pieces depicted the actual ways of life in Austria. We highly recommend taking this tour. You will walk away with a better and more detailed understanding of the world of visual arts and that of the Austrian people.
Dear Samuel and Shirley, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and found the insights into Austrian art and culture meaningful. It was a pleasure sharing the Belvedere with you, and I’d be happy to welcome you back anytime!
Great insights into the relevance of the art and architecture of the Belvedere to the history and culture of Austria.
Dear Susanna and Peter, Thank you for your passion for discovery, your input and your enthusiasm. It was a real pleasure to guide you through both museums. Have a great time in Vienna!
Great tour. Julia was very personable and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Julia as a guide for this tour.
Dear Marsha, thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure to have you and Barbara on this tour and to be able to share our views on art and culture.
Julia was amazing. My husband who has less interest in art was as fascinated as I was and we referred to things Julia told us as we visited other places in Vienna. She guided us through the Belvedere and built a story starting with the middle ages all the way to Klimt, she wove a thread connecting many of the works of art. I was as impressed with her knowledge and passion about art and history as I was with the actual paintings. I was hesitant to buy a tour so pricey as this but it was well worth the money spent.
Dear Sona, Thank you for your kind words. I am very pleased to hear that you found the experience rewarding and that you took advantage of my recommendations, even though I was not able to guide you personally. I hope to have the opportunity to show you the treasures of the Kunsthistorisches Museum during your next visit to Vienna. I wish you all the best! Julia
Our guide was terrific! She was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I learned many things about art history that will make me look at historical paintings in a new light and feel I have a better appreciation of the importance of context in any piece of art.
Dear Miho, Thank you for your feedback. I am convinced that the Belvedere is one of the best museums where context is essential, even if we sometimes take it for granted. I am very glad that this experience at the Belvedere opened up something for you in the way you appreciate art. Kind regards, Julia
Julia was amazing! She shares her love of the Upper Belvedere and its art of which she is quite knowledgeable. She enriched our experience beyond our expectations. Thank you, Julia.
Dear Randy and Leslie, Thank you so much for your kind review. I'm honoured to receive such a compliment from you, so well versed in both art history and technique. And it was a great pleasure for me to show you around at the Belvedere. Best regards, Julia
This was our highlight activity in Vienna. The Belvedere Palace/Gallery and gardens are beautiful just to see it. Their art collection is great. A must see while in Vienna. Julia, our tour guide was the greatest part of our tour. She was very knowledgeable, easy going and fun to listening too. With her assistance, you will be able to learn not only about art but also social and political issues of the Austrian society. We really enjoyed this activity and highly recommended.
Dear Julio, thank you for such a glowing recommendation, I'm delighted that the Belvedere Palace left a lasting impression on you during your visit to Vienna. I couldn't agree more - the beauty and grandeur of the place combined with its remarkable art collection make it an absolute must-see. It was a pleasure to be your guide and to show you this magnificent site.
