Orangery at Schönbrunn
The Schönbrunn Orangery is undoubtedly a must-see stop within the palace’s stunning gardens. Here we delve into its history, how to get there, and how to make the most of your visit.
Support when you need it
Customer service to help you with all your needs from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Fast and online booking
Select your ticket for your needs and preferences and avoid the lines booking here.
Top attraction in Vienna
Discover Vienna’s most famous palace and step into centuries of imperial history.
What is the Orangery at Schönbrunn?
Schönbrunn Orangery, or as it’s known in German, the Orangerie, essentially, it is a structure designed to house and protect delicate citrus and exotic plants during the cold Viennese winters. In short, it could be defined as a refuge of glass and stone where orange trees could survive and, more importantly, continue to bear fruit for the imperial table.
And where is this marvel located? It is part of the vast and majestic Schönbrunn Palace complex in Vienna, situated in the western part of the Austrian capital. It is one of the longest structures of its kind in the world, with a façade that will truly impress you.
Now, a key question: is access free? Well, you should know that the Orangerie structure itself, as part of the palace, requires a specific ticket to be visited during the day. However, it is not always open to the public for tourist visits, as its main use today is as a concert and event hall.
The good news is that the large surrounding garden is free and open to the public in most areas, giving you the opportunity to admire this historic structure from the outside and enjoy its setting at no cost. But if you want to go inside, especially to see a concert, you will need to buy a ticket.
History of the Orangery

History of the Orangery
The history of the Schönbrunn Orangery is rooted in the Baroque tradition of cultivating exotic plants as symbols of wealth and status. Commissioned between 1754 and 1755 by Francis I Stephen of Lorraine, husband of Maria Theresa, the building served as a vital winter greenhouse for citrus trees and palms sensitive to Vienna’s climate.
The Emperor, a dedicated naturalist, envisioned the project as both a scientific endeavor and a practical necessity to maintain the palace’s botanical opulence year-round. This 18th-century structure was essential for preserving the "green gold" of the court, ensuring the gardens remained spectacular regardless of the season, and solidifying the Habsburg monarchy’s reputation for luxury and scientific interest.
Imperial origin and the musical duel of 1786
The Schönbrunn Orangery, established during the reign of Maria Theresa and Francis I Stephen, became a premier venue for lavish imperial banquets due to its warmth and light. Its most legendary historical moment occurred in 1786: a famous musical duel organized by Emperor Joseph II for Russian royalty.
This high-stakes competition pitted Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart against Antonio Salieri. Mozart presented The Impresario, while Salieri performed First the music, then the words. While modern audiences often favor Mozart, many contemporary accounts initially deemed Salieri the winner. Regardless of the verdict, this head-to-head showdown between two musical giants cemented the Orangery’s reputation as a world-class cultural center, a legacy that continues to define the space today.
Decline of ceremonial use and current use
Over time, the purpose of the Orangerie changed. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, with the fall of the monarchy and changing fashions, the ceremonial use of the Orangery significantly declined.
From being a ballroom and banquet hall, it reverted mainly to its original function: a plant storage facility, a depot for fruit and vegetables, or simply general storage for the palace’s needs. Royalty no longer used it as frequently for their grand social events.
Today, the Orangery has regained some of its former splendor. It has been restored and, while still fulfilling its original function of protecting plants in winter, it has become a prestigious concert and event hall. It is world-renowned for hosting the famous Schönbrunn Palace Concerts, where works by Mozart and Strauss are performed, reviving the musical spirit that characterized it in the past. Therefore, if you enjoy this type of music, visiting it and attending one of its concerts is a unique opportunity to experience classical music in an unparalleled historical setting.
How to get to the Orangery?
Getting to the Schönbrunn Orangery is quite straightforward, as Schönbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s most accessible points. These are the best options for reaching it by public transport:
- Metro (U-Bahn): This is the most comfortable and fastest way to arrive. Take the U4 line (the green line) and get off at the Schönbrunn station. Once you exit the station, the palace and its gardens are well signposted. From there, you will have a short walk to the main entrance of the complex.
- Tram: Lines 10 and 60 have stops very close to the palace. Look for the Schönbrunn or Hietzing stop, depending on where you are coming from. If you choose the Hietzing stop, the advantage is that it leaves you near the western entrance of the garden, which is often less crowded, and is very close to the Schönbrunn Zoo and the Gloriette, which you might be interested in visiting afterward.
Once you are inside the Schönbrunn Palace grounds in Vienna, the Orangery is just a short walk away, located in the eastern part of the gardens. Simply follow the signs that say “Orangerie” or “Orangerie Schönbrunn.”
It’s a very pleasant stroll that allows you to enjoy part of the garden and the surrounding architecture. If you are going specifically for a concert, the entrance to the Orangery is often managed through a specific gate in that area. In this case, you can ask the on-site staff for help with directions, but don’t worry, you won’t get lost!
Is the Orangery accessible?

Is the Orangery accessible?
Accessibility to the Schönbrunn Orangery varies depending on whether you visit during the day or at night to attend an event:
- During the day: As mentioned before, it can be accessed from the garden. Given that it is a historical building, access is usually quite good and adapted. Furthermore, the garden area is very accessible, with wide, flat paths. While some areas are more elevated (such as the hill leading to the Gloriette), the greater part of the complex, and the area relevant to the Orangerie visit, is comfortable for movement.
- At night: The situation is different. If you are attending a concert, please note that access is via a specific entrance. Generally, it is accessible, but if you have any special mobility needs, our advice is to contact the concert organizer (the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra) in advance so you can know the exact access points beforehand.
Photo: "Vienna-Schönbrunn, the orangery" by Dguendel.
When do concerts take place at the Orangery?
If the idea of attending a concert in such a historic location appeals to you, you should know that these events take place almost every night of the year. As mentioned before, they are hosted by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra, and their goal is to revive the musical atmosphere of the imperial era by playing masterpieces of classical music.
However, this is a series of events that tourists often sell out quickly, so you should book your tickets in advance to avoid being left out.
Regarding typical schedules, there are usually two types: if you buy a ticket that includes dinner, you should attend around 6:30 PM at a nearby restaurant, while if you purchase the ticket exclusively for the concert, the start time is usually 8:30 PM. The performance lasts approximately one and a half hours, including an intermission, so you would finish around 10:00 PM.
There are also special concerts, which are unique events and often coincide with holidays or high season periods. The most famous are undoubtedly those held during Advent and Christmas, featuring festive repertoires and a truly magical atmosphere. Special concerts for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are also usually scheduled. These special events may have slightly different times and, of course, have even higher demand. For this reason, if you are visiting during these dates, our recommendation is to purchase tickets well in advance.
Finally, the concerts organized in the Orangery are usually accompanied by opera soloists and ballet dancers, who interpret some of the best-known works by Mozart and Strauss. The fact that they are held in the historic Orangerie of Schönbrunn Palace, with its Baroque decoration, high ceilings, and regal atmosphere, will enhance your experience and feel like stepping back in time to Imperial Vienna.
Main photo: "Orangery (Schönbrunn)" by W.
Other things to see near Schönbrunn Palace
There is much more you can and should explore near the Schönbrunn Orangery. The best part is that the large garden complex is full of pavilions, fountains, and historic spots that you can visit, many of them with free access, allowing you to optimize your time and budget.
Here we share a selection of essential places near the Orangery and Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna:

The Gloriette
The Gloriette is an impressive colonnaded structure situated on top of the hill behind the palace. It was built in 1775 and offers spectacular panoramic views of the palace and the city. Furthermore, the café inside is an ideal spot to have a coffee and rest.

The Maze & Labyrinth
Located near the main entrance, the maze features a classic hedge maze to get lost in and a play area with various challenges. It’s a fun activity for all ages that you shouldn’t miss.

Palm House
This is one of the largest glass palm houses in the world and an architectural marvel of wrought iron. It houses an incredible collection of exotic plants from different climatic zones, and although there is a fee to visit, it is highly recommended if you enjoy botany.

Privy Garden
Located next to the palace, this smaller garden was the personal leisure area of the imperial family. It is meticulously maintained, with perfectly trimmed hedges, and offers an atmosphere of tranquility and exclusivity. It is a perfect place for a stroll.

Children’s Museum
If you want the little ones to understand a bit about imperial life, this museum is perfect. It is located in the palace wing and allows children to dress up in historical costumes and experience what life was like for the Habsburg children.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Zoo)
It is the oldest zoo in the world, founded in 1752. It is located within the Schönbrunn park and is designed to integrate modern enclosures with historical pavilions. It is famous for its giant pandas. You cannot miss it!
