With 180,000 objects, the Department of Papyri of the Austrian National Library is one of the largest and most important collections of ancient manuscripts in the world.
The written records preserved in the Department of Papyri reflect the historic, cultural, linguistic and religious changes over a period of about 3000 years. The main focus of the collection is on documentary texts from late antiquity (4th to 7th century A.D.).
It holds texts written on papyrus and other writing material of former times such as parchment, ostraca, leather and wood panels. Every one of our objects is a unique original document from ancient times.
A representative selection is to be seen at the Papyrus Museum.
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The Augustinian Reading Room will be closed on February 10, 2025. As a substitute, the Reading Room of the Collection of Manuscripts and Old Prints (Josefsplatz 1 in the left wing of the building, Manuscripts Staircase 2nd floor) will be available during regular opening hours.
Thank you for your understanding.
Due to an event, the State Hall will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 27.
