Architectural Aspects

Upon entering the light-filled vestibule through the generously glazed entrance doors on Prinz Eugenstrasse, an enfilade unfolds, offering unexpectedly exciting spatial perceptions and views despite its functional purpose as an underground access point.

The “Prinz Eugen Vestibule” welcomes visitors with a generous spatial gesture and leads them via a prominent staircase into the “Red Foyer,” while a cleverly positioned vertical glass element offers a view of the Upper Belvedere’s facade and provides natural light. On this level are the ticket and information area. The route continues through the security checkpoint into the “Silver Corridor,” which connects to the cloakrooms and restrooms. Now ready for the museum visit, visitors proceed via another staircase or ramp into the magnificent “Copper Hall of Mirrors,” from where escalators lead to the Upper Belvedere. Two light wells, located behind the historic entrance ramps, flank the new entrance, creating a prominent visual connection to the Belvedere Palace and providing additional natural light. These two light wells are the heart of the new extension, connecting the entire underground structure to the surface and providing daylight. They also offer naturally lit and ventilated workspaces for the workstations located in the Silver Corridor, the “Cockpit.”

The copper Hall of Mirrors invites visitors to marvel and linger, to browse the attractive museum shop, and, with its four space-defining columns, anticipates the Sala Terrena of the Upper Belvedere. The five-meter difference in level between street level and the copper Hall of Mirrors is elegantly, almost Baroque-style, staged through a cascading sequence of rooms. The sightlines are designed both upon entering and exiting the visitor center so that the entire spatial impression can be perceived from every angle. Along the entire route, visitors passing by are accompanied by an exhibition on the southern side wall about the history of the Belvedere in the form of pictures, writings and projections.