Library of Congress, Washington DC
Library of Congress
Library of Congress
4.5
08:30 - 16:30
Monday
08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday
08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday
08:30 - 16:30
Thursday
08:30 - 16:30
Friday
08:30 - 16:30
Saturday
08:30 - 16:30
About
Though the Library of Congress doesn't own every book ever published, it sure has most of them, with 532 miles of shelves and 115 million items, with 7,000 added each working day.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
- Capitol South • 5 min walk
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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
9,008 reviews
Excellent
7,053
Very good
1,574
Average
323
Poor
41
Terrible
16
Kinda Invisible
Greater Seattle Area276 contributions
Beautiful
Sep 2021
This is a beautiful building and of course seeing important documents is a must when in The District. We were lucky to go when there weren't a ton of tourists so the guards made sure we knew we didn't have to line up single file to view. I'm not sure if that's the case when the crows are larger, but heads up.
Written 21 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
sloomis31
Bristol, WI882 contributions
An Architectural Masterpiece
Aug 2021
The Library of Congress is like no other building I've been in either in the US or abroad. The colors in the ceiling, the statues, the mosaics and even the floor are elegantly dedicated to learning. The map exhibit on the ground floor was a fascinating look at how our country developed geographically. There is also the Guttenburg Bible, and the chance to peer through a window to see the Reading Room. TIP - Make sure you go upstairs to see it from the gallery, the view is so much more impressive. Then there was the chance to see how it all started, part of Thomas Jefferson's original library which he sold to the government to form the Library of Congress. I loved how the guide pointed out how to tell which were actually Jefferson's and which the library had reconstructed. Lastly, there was the expansive shop where a librarian or history buff could pick up a quick keepsake. The only thing I wish we could have done is actually enter the Reading Room. That was a bit disappointing. If you want to go, visit their website and get a timed entry pass like we did. They are free and reserve you an entry window. Feel free to follow me for more fun reviews.
Written 3 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lewnettles
Holley, NY39 contributions
Happily surprised
Aug 2021 • Family
We went expecting just a library and it’s much more of a museum. The architecture and detail in the decor was mesmerizing . Definitely worth the stop. You do need timed entry passes at this time .
Written 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
blairkk25
New Jersey2,469 contributions
Fantastic Visit
Aug 2021
I visited the Library of Congress in August 2021. I had also visited in August 2017 but I saw more this time. I obtained my timed-entry ticket online. The architecture of the building is fantastic with the Neptune Fountain in front. The location of the Library of Congress near the US Capitol and Supreme Court makes for a lot of photo opportunities. I passed through strict security. I followed the "Quick Look" self-guided tour on the Library of Congress website. The first thing I looked at was the Guttenberg Bible which was very interesting to look at. This was located on the second floor. On the third floor, I took a look at the Reading Room. On the steps up to the viewing area for the Reading Room is a painting of Minerva. The ceiling is unbelievable. Back down on the second floor on the floor is a sun dial surrounded by the signs of the zodiac. These were the key things mentioned in the "Quick Look" self-guided tour. On the second floor were several exhibits which I did not have time to visit. Hopefully I will visit them my next time in the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress has a very nice gift and book shop.
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tori
Stanford, CA48 contributions
amazing
Aug 2021
been a few times and its great each visit. incredible architecture and beautifully detailed exhibits
Written 13 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JP G
12 contributions
Hidden secret of our constitutional party Goverment history
Apr 2021
Not only is this place a place to absorb history, you can even look up history on old and new government insider information and find out what they are really doing with Government Bill number in congress. You can actually be enlighten with Government knowledge with research. It’s must see tourist stop with seeing Capitol Hill as well.
Written 11 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
trwigg
Houston, TX26 contributions
Breathtaking!
Jul 2021
We were here on the day they reopened and was thrilled at the opportunity to visit this site. One of the most beautiful buildings in DC.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
James Y
7 contributions
Impressive
Jul 2021
Amazing building, exhibits, and collections. Hard to really describe as it was somewhat overwhelming.
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Katie
Plymouth, MA85 contributions
Very engaging
Apr 2021 • Family
*April 2019
I don’t know if it is thrill there, but the baseball exhibit was very interesting and engaging for both adults and kids. The rest of the library was also interesting, but nothing really stood out to me aside from the baseball exhibit.
I don’t know if it is thrill there, but the baseball exhibit was very interesting and engaging for both adults and kids. The rest of the library was also interesting, but nothing really stood out to me aside from the baseball exhibit.
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
thankfulforhelp
U.S.41 contributions
Something for everyone
Apr 2020
The LOC is a gem. If you have time, check out one of the many free events, whether they're concerts or lectures. Gloria Gaynor even performed there for a 70s disco event! And sign up to get a library card!
Written 23 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Good day! The Library of Congress is amazing! I write a work about history of library. It is very interesting! But I need your help.
In many sources it is written that the library suffered 4 fires. I found information about fires in 1814, 1825 and 1851 years on sites of American history and in books. However I can't find some information about fourth burning. Tell me please when it happened? Which year was this fourth fire? And how many losses were there?
It is VERY important for me. I would be grateful you so much!
I'm going to DC in May 2019 and would love to take the guided tour at the Library of Congress. How do you sign up or do you have to register ahead of your visit?
colette f
26 contributions
We wandered into the Library on a friend's recommendation and were awed. We sat down to watch a video and were then offered a guided tour on the spot. It was well worth it. The building and its contents are amazing. Our visit was in October, when Congress was not in session, so maybe the availability of spontaneous tours was greater. The library is so interesting, you may want to ask your Congressperson to sign you up for a scheduled time to be sure you get the tour. If that doesn't pan out, you can still try once in the building.
MiriamCG
Madrid, Spain546 contributions
Buenos días,
Me gustaría saber qué hay que hacer para acceder a la Biblioteca para verla por dentro. No hace falta que sea con Tour.
Hay horarios establecidos?
Muchas gracias.
Luis P
Valencia, Spain838 contributions
Yo la visité sin guía ni nada
No creo que haga falta
Entré por el Capitolio
Monica V
Estado de México76 contributions
Me recomendaron visitar el Capitolio y de ahi la biblioteca por el túnel, es necesario reservar algún tour para eso?
Fabytoti
Atizapan de Zaragoza, Mexico35 contributions
Muy buena recomendación Para el Capitolio hay tours que se contratan ahí mismo Terminando, ya sin el tour ve por el túnel a la biblioteca que aunque los une el túnel no está en el mismo recorrido
RSValente
Brasilia, DF84 contributions
Pode-se visitá-la trajando bermuda?
MiguelAGPaiva
Sao Paulo, SP4,258 contributions
A Biblioteca e o Capitólio pode se conhecer gratuitamente numa única visita,os prédios são interligados. Embora não tenha restrição à bermudas , o ambiente do Congresso é solene.
traumaqueen09
Mounds View, MN24 contributions
How long would you plan to spend here to see everything?
BChupka
Dallas, Texas37 contributions
I would plan 2-3 hours so as not to rush. The tour guides seem very good. My cousin works there so she took us around herself. Much more than a library!!
anandarup b
Dallas, TX163 contributions
Is it open on Sundays?
The_Drunken_Foodist
Rockville, MD102 contributions
Unfortunately, no. They are open Mon-Sat 8:30 to 5:00 PM.
SaraBeth14
150 contributions
How much time should I allot for visiting this place? It looks amazing
LCPL
Quebec, Canada55 contributions
I agree, 90 minutes to 2 hours is a good time frame to put aside, that would give you enough time to either tour on your own or take a guided tour, plus have time to look around on your own if you do decide to do the tour option and also take a few minutes to check out the gift shop as well.
