Johann Nestroy, Arthur Schnitzler, Franz Kafka, Ilse Aichinger, Ingeborg Bachmann, Thomas Bernhard and Friederike Mayröcker are just some of the important Austrian authors whose writings and works are presented in the Literature Museum of the Austrian National Library using unique original sources and numerous media stations. The permanent exhibition extends over two levels. Special exhibitions are housed on a third level. The ground floor is available for lectures and events. - On a total area of 730 m², the museum exhibits Austrian literature from the end of the 18th century through to the present day.

The Literature Museum is housed in the former k.k. Hofkammerarchiv (Imperial and Royal Hofkammer Archive). The building was constructed in the Year of Revolution 1848 as the archive of the Hofkammer, the central authority of the Habsburg monarchy. Most fitting is the fact that the Austrian dramatist Franz Grillparzer held the office of archive director here until 1856. His office is retained in its original condition and forms an integral part of the Literature Museum.