Lower Belvedere - The Gold Cabinet

Originally this was a conversation room with wall covering made of silk painted with trees branches and birds. Under Empress Maria Theresia the room was transformed into a gold cabinet (or mirror and porcelain cabinet). It is assumed that the gold cabinet presented itself with its new appearance in 1765.

Kunsthistorisches Museum & Maria Theresia

The Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), opened in 1891, was constructed by Gottfried Semper and Karl Hasenauer in order to house the art collections of the imperial Habsburg family and to make it accessible to the general public. On the square in front of the museum is located a monument to Empress Maria Theresia, the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominians and the last of the House of Habsburg. She implemented significant reforms to strenghten Austria´s military and bureaucratic efficiency (e.g. she established the compulsary education for children of both genders from the ages of six to twelve years). There are also some small fountains on the square.

Gloriette

The Gloriette is located in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. Built in 1775 under the reign of Empress Maria Theresia it was meant to be a "temple of glory" and also a view point. In 1780 it was equipped with glass windows and became a location for dinner and festivities. The dining room was used as such until the end of the monarchy, today it houses a café. From the Gloriette you can enjoy a beautiful view of the town!

Botanical Garden 1

The Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna dates back to 1754 and was founded by Empress Maria Theresia. It covers 8 hectares, currently more than 9.000 species of plants are cultivated. The garden is open to the public and a popular recreation area, the admission is free.