Melk Abbey Library: Major renovation project starts in 2025!

Melk Abbey Library: Major renovation project starts in 2025!

On April 11, 2025, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Abbot Georg Wilfinger and Erwin Hameseder informed about the renovation work in Melk Abbey. The extensive renovation of the abbey library is part of a long-term restoration project that runs from 2022 to 2032. A central goal is to combine monument preservation with cutting-edge science. The annual progress is intended to ensure the preservation of the valuable room furnishings and book treasures.

Significant work will be carried out this year, including the renovation of the windows in the Marble Hall, the restoration of books and the repair of the facade of the south bastion. The garden pavilion is also being re-covered. The management emphasizes the cultural and spiritual significance of the monasteries, churches and monasteries in the region.

Funding and support

The total costs for the restoration of the monastery library amount to around twelve million euros. Financing comes from various sources: 47% from Melk Abbey's own funds, 25% from the state of Lower Austria, 15% from the federal government, 10% from the EX LITTERIS IMMORTALITAS support association and 3% from the municipality of Melk. A specially established board of trustees chaired by State Governor Mikl-Leitner accompanies the project and discusses the individual construction stages.

In 2024, the support association has already raised over 100,000 euros for renovation and continues to campaign for the preservation of the monastery library. The annual reception of the book sponsors, at which 43 new sponsors were accepted, shows the commitment of the community. Various supporters, including the Rotary Club of Melk and the Soroptimists, are actively helping to finance the renovation work by sponsoring valuable books.

The cultural treasure of the monastery library

The Melk Abbey Library, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses around 100,000 volumes, including 1,800 manuscripts and 750 incunabula, which underlines its high cultural value. Every year around 10,000 books are inspected, cleaned and mapped for damage. It is estimated that less than a third of the population is affected to varying degrees.

As part of the restoration work, attention is also paid to important aspects such as fire protection, escape route concepts and improving the indoor climate. The renovation includes not only the interior design, but also the exterior, where facade and roof repairs are carried out.

The number of visitors to the monastery shows its relevance and support in society: last year Melk Abbey recorded 455,000 visitors. With the ongoing restoration and the dedicated book sponsors, the abbey library remains a living part of the cultural heritage and a place of education and inspiration.