The Admont Monastery Library - a masterpiece of the late Baroque period
"The eighth wonder of the world"
Enter. Marvel. Linger.
The monastery library of Admont Abbey is considered one of the great works of art of the European late Baroque period. Here, architecture, frescoes, sculptures and centuries-old writings merge into a harmonious space full of beauty and meaning.
With over 70,000 visible volumes, it is not only a place of aesthetic fascination, but also a living storehouse of knowledge that contains centuries of history, faith and spirit.
Experience a place that not only preserves books - but values, visions and the search for the eternal.
EXPERIENCE THE MONASTERY LIBRARY IN 3D
HOURS OF OPERATION ENTRANCE FEES BROWSE THROUGH BOOKS
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The library hall in Admont Abbey - light for mind and soul
A room that not only houses books, but visions: The magnificent library hall of the Admont Benedictine Abbey was completed in 1776 and is one of the most impressive creations of the European late Baroque period.
Commissioned by Abbot Matthäus Offner and designed by the Austrian Baroque architect Josef Hueber, the hall reflects the spirit of the Enlightenment - a room that was deliberately designed with light and space, because: "Light should fill the room as well as the mind."
A synthesis of the arts of knowledge
With its 70 metres in length, its majestic tripartite structure and the seven impressive ceiling frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte, created at the ripe old age of over 80, this hall is a place of quiet grandeur. The frescoes tell of the path of human knowledge - from thought and language through science to divine revelation in the centre of the dome.
The largest monastic library in the world
A visit to this room is more than just a tour - it is a journey through art, history and spiritual depth.
Experience the library hall in Admont Abbey - where knowledge shines.
Precious treasures - knowledge, art and faith under one dome
When you enter the magnificent library hall of Admont Abbey, you are not only faced with shelves full of books - but also with an intellectual and artistic treasure of European standing.
Important editions of the Bible, the Church Fathers and theological literature are artfully arranged under the baroque dome: Theology in the northern side hall and works from all other subject areas in the southern hall.
Unique sculptures made from lime wood
The Admont monastery sculptor Josef Stammel created the imposing sculptures in the ceremonial hall. Particularly impressive: the monumental group of figures entitled "The Four Last Things" - Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell - whose expressive power is still moving and challenging today.
A treasure trove of books
Around 60,000 volumes are on display in the library hall itself, while the abbey's total collection comprises around 200,000 works. The most valuable items include over 1,400 manuscripts (from the 8th century onwards) and 530 incunabula - early printed works created before 1500.
A treasure trove of knowledge, art and contemporary history - embedded in baroque splendour.
Contemporary art in the Admont Abbey Library
For exhibitions of contemporary art that have so far been held in our Abbey Library, see below.
