All our collections can be searched in our Main Catalogue.
75,000 postcards featuring topographical images can be searched via the online portal AKON.
If you have any questions, we will be pleased to help on tel. no.: +43 1 534 10-297 or kar[at]onb.ac.at.
The Map Department looks after about 300,000 sheet maps, 45,000 topographic views, around 800,000 picture postcards, more than 820 globes, 100 geographical reliefs and models of castles and about 85,000 volumes of specialist literature and atlases.
Almost all of the more recent maps and vedute published in Austria are held here. In terms of foreign publications, we collect mainly official map sets, with a regional focus on Central Europe. Most of the works of literature that are acquired are in the field of the history of geography, cartography and ethnology, geographical travel and exploration and regional and cultural studies of (Old-)Austria.
The worldwide reputation of the Map Department is due mainly to its historic collections. One of the most important treasures is the famous “Atlas Blaeu-Van der Hem”, a 50-volume baroque map collection consisting of about 2,100 beautifully coloured copperplate engravings and drawings. This atlas is part of UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme since 2003.
Due to a legally required works meeting, all user facilities of the Austrian National Library (reading rooms at Heldenplatz and collections) will not open until 11.30 a.m. on Thursday, 21 November, 2024.
Please note the opening hours during the holidays.
