Programme
The Special Exhibit

The Special Exhibit

Programme

You vote, we exhibit!

In 2025, the Austrian National Library will once again present five "special exhibits" from its extensive holdings in the State Hall.

You can help decide which objects will be exhibited via online voting. In each of the five votings, there are three objects to choose from.

The "special exhibit" on display will be accompanied by a free expert talk, a blog post and a video (only available in German).

The current special exhibit The next special exhibit The following special exhibit

April 29 – June 15, 2025

Dachstein: The disappearance of the glaciers

The winner of our most recent online voting "Once upon a time … " for the special exhibit is object 2: "Dachstein: The disappearance of the glaciers" (photograph, 1885). The winning object will be on display in the State Hall of the Austrian National Library from April 29 to June 15, 2025 and will be presented at an expert lecture (in German) on May 6, 2025.

Schwarz-weißes Foto von einer langen Gletscherzunge, ein paar Wanderer stehen daneben und schauen hin.

Since the beginning of the 19th century, the Alps and their glaciers had become a popular subject of scientific research. Friedrich Simony (1813–1896), a geographer from northern Bohemia, is regarded as the pioneer of glacier research (glaciology). Simony climbed the summit of the Dachstein in Hallstatt more than eleven times until the ripe old age of 72, exploring it extensively. He also documented the retreat of the Karls ice field shown in the photo, which became particularly noticeable from 1879 on when a rocky ridge became visible in the receding glacier. Simony, later professor of geology at the University of Vienna, recorded the melting of the glacier between 1876 and 1889 with precise drawings and photographs. This pioneering work marked the beginning of modern glacier and climate research and documented the onset of climate change.

June 16 – August 31, 2025

Carl von Ghega: Picturesque atlas of the railway over the Semmering

The winner of our most recent online voting "Sommer retreat" for the special exhibit is object 1: "Carl von Ghega: Picturesque atlas of the railway over the Semmering" (Lithograph, 18 parts in fanfold (610 x 25 cm), Vienna: Karl Gerold & Sohn, 1854). The winning object will be on display in the State Hall of the Austrian National Library from June 16 until August 31, 2025 and will be presented at an expert lecture (in German) on June 24, 2025.

Bild eines Waldes mit Bergen und einer Einsenbahnbrücke.

The construction of the railway line from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag was a milestone in railway engineering. Inaugurated in 1854, the railway opened up the Semmering region to tourism, making it a popular summer holiday destination. The mountains moved closer to the city and could now be reached quickly and easily from Vienna. The railway line attracted considerable interest, and illustrated publications appeared even during the construction phase. To mark the opening, the engineer Carl von Ghega published a six-metre-long panorama – a story in pictures combining engineering, technology and the experience of nature. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, the journey through 14 tunnels and over 16 viaducts with views of the charming landscape is still a spectacular travelling experience.

September 1 – October 19, 2025

Crown Prince Ferdinand’s writing and arithmetic exercises

The winner of our most recent online voting "Quills and the smell of chalk" for the special exhibit is object 1: "Crown Prince Ferdinand’s writing and arithmetic exercises" (Exercise sheets, around 1810). The winning object will be on display in the State Hall of the Austrian National Library from September 1 to October 19, 2025 and will be presented at an expert lecture (in German) on September 9, 2025.

Abbildung einer Seite eines Schulhefts aus dem Jahr 1810.

The sheets with writing and arithmetic exercises by Crown Prince Ferdinand (1793–1875), later Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria, give us a unique insight into his schooling. Due to his physical limitations, the eldest son of Emperor Franz II/I started learning late. At the time the sheets were created, he was already around 17 years old. The maths problems demonstrate different ways of solving simple multiplications. The writing exercises consist of two aphorisms that Ferdinand had to copy in German, French and Italian. The aphorisms are: ‘Man! Don't waste your lifetime!’ and ‘Every moment should be precious to you and like a treasure’. These aphorisms are intended to remind the Prince of the importance of time.