Library of Congress (Thomas Jefferson Building)
Capitol Hill—sample rating
Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
About Library of Congress (Thomas Jefferson Building)
The Library of Congress, founded in 1800, is the research library of the U.S. Congress and the largest library in the world by shelf space and number of items. Its flagship Thomas Jefferson Building, opened in 1897, is renowned for its opulent Beaux-Arts architecture, murals, mosaics, and the Great Hall, considered one of the most beautiful interiors in Washington. Public visitor areas include the Main Reading Room viewing gallery, exhibitions on Jefferson's original library collection and other historic holdings, and rotating displays of maps, manuscripts, and rare books drawn from the Library's vast collections. Free timed-entry tickets are required for all visitors to the Thomas Jefferson Building and can be reserved online up to 30 days ahead, with same-day tickets released at 9 a.m.; the Library is closed to visitors on Mondays and Sundays.
Why visit
It houses one of the most beautiful interiors in Washington and treasures like a Gutenberg Bible and Jefferson's personal library.
Best time to visit
Reserve free timed tickets online in advance; visit Thursday evening for extended hours and smaller crowds.
Recommended duration
Allow about 1 hours (60 minutes).
Opening hours
- Friday
- 10:00-17:00
- Monday
- Closed
- Saturday
- 10:00-17:00
- Sunday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 10:00-20:00
- Tuesday
- 10:00-17:00
- Wednesday
- 10:00-17:00
Free timed-entry tickets required for all visitors; last entry 30 minutes before closing; closed major federal holidays.
Information may change — verify details before visiting.
Location
10 First St SE, Washington, DC 20540
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Nearby attractions
National Mall
A vast open-air national park stretching between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, lined with iconic monuments and Smithsonian museums.
Washington Monument
A 555-foot marble obelisk honoring George Washington, offering sweeping views of DC from its observation level.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
A domed neoclassical monument on the Tidal Basin honoring Thomas Jefferson, surrounded by famous cherry blossom trees.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
A granite memorial on the Tidal Basin featuring a colossal carved likeness of Dr. King emerging from a 'Stone of Hope.'
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
A sprawling outdoor memorial along the Tidal Basin divided into four outdoor 'rooms' representing FDR's four terms in office.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A stark black granite wall inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 U.S. service members who died or went missing in the Vietnam War.
Nearby restaurants
Zaytinya
Mediterranean · $$$ · Downtown / Penn Quarter
Ben's Chili Bowl
American / Comfort Food · $ · U Street
Mi Vida
Mexican · $$ · Navy Yard / Waterfront
Ambar Capitol Hill
Balkan · $$ · Capitol Hill
Centrolina
Italian · $$$ · Downtown / Penn Quarter
Maketto
Cambodian / Taiwanese · $$ · Capitol Hill
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Stay near Capitol Hill
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