The world-famous abbey library is one of the visit’s highlights. Guests can see the two historical rooms.

Starting in January 2026, comprehensive restoration work will begin on the Baroque rooms of our abbey library. This undertaking is part of a large-scale project that will run until 2032. The aim is to preserve this unique library with its 130,000 volumes, including 1,800 manuscripts and 750 incunabula, for future generations.
 

Which special experiences will visitors have during that time?

• The library will remain open throughout the restoration.
• As of October 2025, parts of the collection of around 10,000 books from the large library room and around 6,000 books from the small library room will be moved to another location.  Baroque volumes will remain on display in the showrooms at all times.
• As of January 2026, a large scaffolding platform will be put up in the main hall for the restoration of the frescoes. This work will continue until the beginning of April 2026, when the scaffolding will be dismantled again.
• As of April 2026, partition walls will be put up, but parts of the library rooms will always remain accessible. The restoration work will be carried out in stages: 
  2026: North side of the small library room and south side of the main room
  2027: South side in the small library room and north side in the main room
• The work will continue until the end of 2027.
• Visitors are “in the middle” of the restoration work – even though the actual work is taking place behind walls and at a safe distance.

We ask for your understanding that during the restoration work, individual areas cannot be fully experienced. Nevertheless, we are convinced that the different impressions will make a visit to Melk Abbey’s library special.

You find more information about Melk abbey’s library here.