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Schönbrunn Orangery: A Baroque Botanical Jewel

Explore the Schönbrunn Orangery: a historic Baroque conservatory, home to exotic plants and classical concerts in Vienna.

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The Schönbrunn Orangery, built in 1754, is one of the largest Baroque orangeries in the world, second only to Versailles. Once a winter home for exotic plants, it now hosts concerts and events, offering a glimpse into imperial garden culture.

A brief summary to Orangery

Local tips

  • Visit during the warmer months (April-November) to see the exotic plants displayed in the Orangery garden.
  • Attend a classical concert at the Orangery to experience its historical musical ambiance.
  • Consider a combined ticket to access other Schönbrunn attractions like the palace, gardens, and Gloriette.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Schönbrunn Orangery is easily accessible via Vienna's efficient public transport system. Take the U4 metro line to the 'Schönbrunn' station. From the station, walk approximately 400 meters to the Schönbrunn Palace grounds. Follow the signs to the Orangery, passing the main palace entrance on your left. Tram lines 10 and 60, as well as bus 10A, also stop at the 'Schloss Schönbrunn' station near the main entrance. A single public transport ticket costs €2.40.

  • Walking

    From the Schönbrunn Palace main entrance, face the palace and walk to the left. Pass under the archway and continue past the Privy Garden on your right and the Marionette Theatre on your left. The entrance to the Orangery is just beyond the theatre. This is a pleasant walk through the palace grounds.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Vienna. A short taxi ride from the city center to Schönbrunn Palace typically costs between €10 and €20, depending on traffic and distance. Taxi fares start at €3.80, with per-kilometer charges varying. Be sure the meter is running or agree on a fixed price in advance.

  • Car

    If driving, take the A1 motorway and exit at Hietzing, following signs for 'Schloss Schönbrunn'. Parking is available on Schönbrunner Schloßstraße, opposite the Orangery. Parking costs approximately €3.90 per hour, up to a maximum of €39 per day. Consider using a Park and Ride garage outside the city center for cheaper daily rates (around €4.40) and taking the U4 metro line to Schönbrunn.

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Discover more about Orangery

The Schönbrunn Orangery, located within the Schönbrunn Palace grounds in Vienna, boasts a rich history and architectural grandeur. Built in 1754 by Emperor Franz I Stephan, husband of Maria Theresa, the Orangery served as a winter garden for the palace's collection of exotic plants, particularly citrus trees from the Mediterranean. Designed by Nikolaus Pacassi, possibly based on initial plans by Nicolas Jadot, the Orangery stretches an impressive 189 meters in length and 10 meters in width, making it one of the largest Baroque orangeries after Versailles. Its south façade features alternating large and smaller round-arched bays, separated by rusticated pilasters adorned with masks. The building also incorporates an underfloor hypocaust system to maintain a consistent temperature for the sensitive plants during winter. Beyond its horticultural function, the Orangery has also served as a venue for court festivities and celebrations. Emperor Joseph II, in particular, favored hosting banquets amidst the flowering plants and illuminated citrus trees. Notably, in 1786, the Orangery was the setting for a musical competition between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. Today, the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra continues to perform classical concerts in the Orangery, honoring its musical legacy. Visitors can explore the western part of the Orangery, which still houses exotic plants. During the warmer months (April to early November), the plants are moved to the Orangery garden, creating an open-air botanical display. The garden also features a vineyard, resurrected by Viennese growers, cultivating a traditional Viennese field blend of grapes.

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