From January 2025 to autumn 2027, the main library of the University of Vienna will undergo extensive renovation. The focus will be on implementing urgent fire safety requirements, relocating book collections for space and conservation reasons, and carefully developing the listed building for modern library use.
Project management in a sensitive environment
Project management involves coordinating all parties involved, interfaces and construction phases, ensuring a structured, transparent process in a particularly sensitive, listed environment.
More space for learning, clear zones, better access
The renovation focuses on expanding learning and working opportunities, a clear division into quiet learning areas, group workstations and break zones, and improved accessibility through multiple entrances.
The historic character of the Great Reading Room will be preserved; it has been closed since 23 September 2024 due to preparatory work. A major milestone in the project is the relocation of around 3 million volumes to the new Floridsdorf book depot, which covers an area of approximately 13,000 m² and offers air-conditioned conditions for the long-term preservation of the collections.
Historical context
Founded in 1365, the University of Vienna is one of the oldest universities in Europe and an architectural gem on Vienna's Ringstrasse. The main building, designed by Heinrich von Ferstel, was constructed between 1877 and 1884. The university library is one of the oldest in the German-speaking world; the striking book towers were originally used for vertical storage of books.
