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Library of Congress

Library and Government Building
Southeast Washington, Washington
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9.3/10
1,023
ratings
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from CNN and Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    • CNN
    • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
  • Tips
    Jeff C.
    "The Jefferson Library is amazing!"(13 Tips)
    Chad Y.
    "Don't forget a library card from the Madison building."(10 Tips)
    Davide
    "Check the free tours every hour, totally worth it!!"(7 Tips)
    Ashley S.
    "Exquisite architecture and informative exhibits!"(12 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon166 Tips and reviews
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  • CNN
    CNNApril 13, 2015
    The library houses more than 36 million books and printed materials, as well as more than 121 million maps, photographs and other items. Free guided tours are offered several times each day. Read more
  • Dee D.
    Dee D'AlessandroOctober 9, 2014
    What ever you do, make sure to see the Library of Congress in DC! Absolutely stunning building! Check out only one of 3 copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the only copy in north america.
  • Stacy
    StacyJuly 28, 2016
    My family and I visited a couple days ago, gorgeous! The lady guarding the main reading room was incredibly rude to us when we tried to enter. We were happy to wait in line. Be nice!
    Upvoted Jan 10
  • Daycation DC
    Daycation DCApril 12, 2017
    Beautiful architecture! Free tours throughout the day but get there early especially on the weekends. Don't miss Jefferson's library! Read more
  • Serhii L.heart icon on user image
    Serhii LutskoAugust 17, 2017
    The library is definitely number 1 place to visit in DC. It's gorgeous and has a lot of historical information
  • BaltimoreGalheart icon on user image
    BaltimoreGalApril 11, 2018
    It’s such a beautiful place, and full of much more than you think. Well worth spend a few hours, if not days. Definitely get a tour if you can.
  • Rachelheart icon on user image
    RachelApril 17, 2015
    Incredible architecture! Definitely worth checking out on a trip to DC!
  • Ellie P.
    Ellie PinesSeptember 26, 2014
    That we maintain a collection of our written history, as a culture, is so mind-bogglingly cool that it takes a bit to fully appreciate. How can I suggest just one thing to check out?
  • Puck P.
    Puck PeijnenburgOctober 19, 2014
    Use the underground tunnel between the Capitol and the congress library. Than you don't need to go to an extra security check and more lines.
  • HISTORY
    HISTORYApril 1, 2010
    Created in 1800 the library is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution & the largest library in the world. In 1815 Thomas Jefferson sold his entire personal collection of books to the library
  • Architect of the Capitol (AOC)
    Immediately after it opened in 1897, the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building was widely considered to be the most beautiful, educational and interesting building in Washington. Read more
  • Hannah L.heart icon on user image
    Hannah LuddySeptember 8, 2016
    Informative tours and gorgeous artwork/architecture. Tip: researchers and students in the area can apply for cards to get access to the reading rooms for their research.
  • Armieheart icon on user image
    ArmieAugust 6, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    On the second floor, visitors can explore Thomas Jefferson's Library, featuring thousands of original volumes that provided the foundation for the Library of Congress & it's universal collections
  • The Ritz-Carlton
    The Ritz-CarltonDecember 29, 2014
    When visiting on a weekday, make sure to go to the sixth-floor Madison Cafeteria for sweeping views of the National Mall without the crowds.
  • Krissa Swain R.heart icon on user image
    Krissa Swain RandolphApril 11, 2018
    A must-see of early Republic neo-classical architecture and THE place to get your historical research - or research for any subject - finished.
  • Tripsetc T.
    The Largest Library in the World not under one roof getting there is a bit cumbersome however if you have easy access a membership is well worth it. They have any book you might think of.
  • Chadheart icon on user image
    ChadMay 27, 2016
    Awesome place, but If you're looking for the Book of Secrets or a secret library room that only the President has access to, then you spend too much time watching movies.
  • Jesseheart icon on user image
    JesseAugust 8, 2018
    Worth going on the tour - seriously incredible library! Truly amazing!
  • Freskoheart icon on user image
    FreskoJanuary 11, 2016
    If you want to get inside the actual library, you need a access card which is free to anyone, but will take a couple days to get it
  • Eheart icon on user image
    EOctober 9, 2016
    Jefferson library is a must see. Also look for the quotes on the walls, very inspirational
  • Morgan S.
    Morgan SawickiJanuary 22, 2014
    There are some great mini-exhibits in this building, which is largely used by researchers and ignored by tourists. Make sure to check out the 6th floor and basement.
  • Jose C.
    Jose CaballeroAugust 17, 2013
    If you really want to get a great, in-depth tour, try to get Tom Hoban. He's great!!
  • Nathan K.heart icon on user image
    Nathan KellenickiNovember 29, 2014
    There's a free tour a few times a day, which lasts an hour and a half and is fascinating. If you only have time for either the Capitol tour or this one, no doubt - take this one. Far more informative.
  • Lenny G.heart icon on user image
    Lenny GalloJuly 22, 2016
    Definitely worth the trip if your a fan of books and beautiful architecture. They do have everything.
  • Janna H.heart icon on user image
    Janna H.March 28, 2017
    Catch a tour if you can. Really provides insights into the intricacies of the building's design.
  • boonlalala
    boonlalalaJanuary 22, 2014
    just can see the main room through the big glass unless you have a library card. fortunately the library card is free and it takes about 30 mins to have one
  • Kimmie N.heart icon on user image
    Kimmie NguyenJanuary 1, 2018
    I just want to study the murals for days. Come on weekdays for fewer crowds! #nerdpalace
  • Aaron S.heart icon on user image
    Aaron SmithMay 13, 2015
    Going to the Capitol?! Take the underground tunnel! Most people miss it and you can skip security because you've already been cleared!
  • Lydia S.heart icon on user image
    The building is a must see! There are wonderful gift shops and tour offered all day! Amazing building!
  • Sandro D.heart icon on user image
    A must see! Amazing architecture
  • Alberto C.heart icon on user image
    Alberto CarvalhoAugust 7, 2014
    You must have an invitation to get inside de reading room. You can get in a government office nearby
  • della C.
    della CurtisJanuary 4, 2013
    The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with more than 151.8 million items on approximately 838 miles of bookshelves
  • Stephanie F.
    Stephanie FryAugust 8, 2012
    If only passing through, or are pressed for time, make sure to visit the main hall! Absolutely gorgeous ceiling and walls.
  • Chris R.
    Chris R (thechristophe)December 30, 2014
    Controversially I find the interior (outside the reading room) a bit comical. Great Dome though.
  • C-SPAN
    C-SPANJuly 19, 2011
    It would take you 24 years to see all the photos in the Library of Congress, at a photo per minute. Check out C-SPAN’s “Library of Congress” documentary. Clip from the documentary here on YouTube. Read more
  • ✨#IamRomdelacrème✨
    Love the majestic and elaborate architecture of the building. Also, admired The Court of Neptune Fountain by Roland Hinton Perry right outside the library.
  • C-SPAN
    C-SPANJuly 19, 2011
    It would take 60,000 yrs to go through all the books in the Library of Congress, at 1 book per day. Check out C-SPAN’s “Library of Congess” documentary. Clip from the documentary here on YouTube. Read more
  • Josh L.heart icon on user image
    Josh LefebvreJuly 22, 2013
    Any trip to DC wouldn't be complete without a stop here. The inside of the main hall is one of the most spectacular sights in the district.
  • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    The Library of Congress retains more than 145 million items filling the equivalent of some 745 miles of shelves! Free guided tours offered throughout the week. -- Green Guide Editor
  • Katie W.heart icon on user image
    Katie WillardJune 21, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Look into actually taking a tour. Or get a membership. Otherwise it involves a lot of aimless wandering around.
  • BROADS
    BROADSApril 29, 2013
    The library of congress happens to be the largest library on planet and one of our favorite hiding spots!
  • Nicodemus B.heart icon on user image
    Nicodemus BoffinSeptember 16, 2018
    A reader's card is an important and encouraged entry into the library's sanctum- and it's free!
  • Now Owl
    Now OwlApril 12, 2011
    Hang out at the picnic tables at the top of the steps on the Independence/penn side. Grab a frozen yogurt from across the street and enjoy!
  • Philip W.
    Philip WangMarch 12, 2012
    one of the most beautiful buildings in the country (if not the world) and lesser known attractions in DC.
  • Greg G.
    Greg GordonJanuary 13, 2015
    Plan to spend time here. This place is gorgeous and full of wonderful things to see and experience
  • Nicodemus B.heart icon on user image
    Nicodemus BoffinSeptember 16, 2018
    Do not neglect the Library's on-line resources: they have made a lot of their collections and resources available on the internet for public consumption.
  • Sam C.
    Sam CoturriApril 11, 2013
    Check out the graphic arts gallery. Downstairs away from the crowds. Amazing collection.
  • Joann T.
    Joann TyreeNovember 4, 2013
    Make sure you go online b4 trip to receive permission to enter reading room for research and fill out application for a Library of Congress library card.
  • Tasha M.
    Tasha MajorMay 17, 2010
    The Jefferson building is covered in beautiful artwork that is dripping in symbolism. Take advantage of the free tours to really get the most out of this visit!
  • Vincent B.heart icon on user image
    Vincent BoucherFebruary 3, 2014
    The Building is P H E N O M E N A L !!! The Jefferson collection and the Gutenberg Bible are a treat !
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