Library of Congress in DC: Top highlights and tips

Visit the world’s largest library.

Did you know that the Library of Congress is the world’s largest library? With over 173 million items – including maps, manuscripts, films, and prints – it’s a treasure trove of knowledge.

The building’s interior was adorned with artwork from over forty American painters and sculptors, blending classical themes with a distinctly American touch. At the same time, it showcased the era’s scientific advancements, being the first public building in Washington, D.C., to have electricity installed—a sign of the technological progress of the time.

Tip: Visitor numbers at the Library are highest from March through July, so be prepared for longer-than-usual wait times at security screening during this period.

The library was founded in 1800, thanks to a bill signed by President John Adams, which moved the U.S. government to Washington. Back then, the library’s collection was pretty modest—just 740 books and 3 maps—stored in the newly built Capitol Building. Unfortunately, in 1814, the British invaded and set fire to the building, destroying the library’s entire collection. Quite a rough start, but it didn’t stop the library from becoming the incredible institution we know today.

Featured tours

To accommodate its vast collection, the library consists of three buildings. The oldest is the Thomas Jefferson Building, which is the one most tourists visit. When the Thomas Jefferson Building opened its doors to the public in 1897, it was a true national achievement.

Designed by architects John L. Smithmeyer and Paul J. Pelz in the Italian Renaissance style, the building was a bold statement of the nation’s cultural pride and optimism for the future.

Visiting the Library’s public spaces in full will take approximately 90 minutes and involve about 0.5 miles of walking.

Must sees

The Gutenberg Bible: As you walk through the Commemorative Arch, you’ll come across one of the Library’s greatest treasures: the Gutenberg Bible. Printed in Germany, in the mid-1450s, this was the first book ever printed using movable metal type in Western Europe—a game changer for publishing!

As you take in the scene, you’ll notice the half-moon wall paintings that illustrate the Evolution of the Book. At the far north end, you’ll find the entrance to the Librarian’s Ceremonial Office. Be sure to also check out the alcoves near the elevators, where you’ll see five stunning paintings by Elihu Vedder. These works depict the idea of government, with the central painting showing the ideal form. On the left side, you’ll see Corrupt Legislation and Anarchy, while the right side features Good Administration, Peace, and Prosperity.

The Great Hall: When the Great Hall opened to the public in 1897, it was designed to showcase the prevailing ideals of American industriousness, technological innovation, and intellectual potential.

The Great Hall is the stunning centerpiece of this Italian Renaissance-style building, bursting with ornate Beaux Arts details. The ceiling, which soars seventy-five feet above the marble floor, is lit by beautiful stained-glass skylights framed by delicate aluminum leaf decorations. Look up, and you’ll see the names of some of the world’s greatest writers and thinkers on the triangular vaults.

In the center of the marble floor, there’s a striking brass compass rose inlay, surrounded by the twelve zodiac signs. If you look halfway up the stairs, you’ll see figures touching globes that represent Africa, America, Europe, and Asia. Over to the east, you’ll find the Commemorative Arch, which features two figures called The Students—a young man and an older one. They symbolize the importance of lifelong learning.

The Main Reading Room: The Main Reading Room is truly breathtaking. Suspended 125 feet above the floor, there’s a stunning mural by Edwin Blashfield. It features twelve painted figures, each representing a country, culture, or era that contributed to Western civilization as it was understood back in 1897.

The room is also lit by semi-circular stained-glass windows, which showcase the seals of forty-five states and three territories (at the time, Alaska and Hawaii hadn’t joined the Union yet). Giant marble columns rise throughout the room, each supporting one of eight figures that symbolize key characteristics of civilized societies.

As you take it all in, you’ll also notice bronze statues along the balustrades, each honoring a man who dedicated his life to the subject represented by the statue above him. It’s a space that really highlights the importance of knowledge and the individuals who shaped our understanding of the world.

Mezzanine: Look up to see eight stunning paintings in the arches, each representing The Sciences, while the center medallions feature the arts—Sculpture, Architecture, and Painting. On the south mezzanine, the ceiling paintings celebrate The Three Graces, and at both ends, you’ll find panels honoring baseball and football.

From here, you’ll also get a fantastic view of the U.S. Capitol. If you head over to the east side of the mezzanine, a staircase leads you to a special gallery with a closer view of the Main Reading Room below. As you explore the Mezzanine, pay attention to the ceiling, where you’ll find references to disciplines like astronomy, history, and zoology.

Visitor Hours

• Monday: closed
• Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: closed

Last entry for visitors is 30 minutes prior to closing.

Free timed-entry tickets are required for entry. Reserve your tickets here

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