Library of Congress

The Library of Congress, in Washington

The Library of Congress is the largest library of the world by the number of books and documents, jewel of Washington. The Washington audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this temple of knowledge with a sumptuous architecture, neighbour of the Capitol, setting of an invaluable heritage.

The largest library of the world

You are in front of the Library of Congress, the largest library of the world in terms of books and references. Founded at the beginning of the nineteenth century to serve the members of Congress, it has become the national library of the United States, keeping a colossal and unequalled documentary heritage: tens of millions of books, manuscripts, maps, scores, photographs, films and recordings in hundreds of languages, retracing the knowledge and the history of humanity. Among its treasures figure one of the original copies of the Gutenberg Bible and precious founding documents of the American nation. Beyond its collections, the main building, the Thomas Jefferson Building, is itself an architectural masterpiece of the end of the nineteenth century: its majestic hall, its great marble staircase, its frescoes, its mosaics, its gildings and its splendid reading room under an immense dome make of it one of the finest interiors of Washington. A temple of knowledge and an architectural jewel, the Library of Congress is a must-see stop of the discovery of the town.

What to see

You admire the largest library of the world, national library of the United States, which keeps tens of millions of books, manuscripts, maps and documents, including a copy of the Gutenberg Bible; its main building, the Thomas Jefferson Building, is an architectural masterpiece with a majestic hall, frescoes, mosaics and gildings and a splendid reading room under an immense dome. The Library of Congress is a temple of knowledge in Washington. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Library of Congress lies near the Capitol, in Washington, reachable on foot and by public transport. The visit, notably of the Thomas Jefferson Building, follows its own hours and conditions, which vary; entry is generally free, but a booking may be necessary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

Why is the Library of Congress of Washington famous?

Because it is the largest library of the world by the number of books and documents: national library of the United States, it keeps tens of millions of books, manuscripts and maps, including a copy of the Gutenberg Bible; its main building, the Thomas Jefferson Building, is also an architectural masterpiece with a splendid reading room under a dome.

Where is the Library of Congress in Washington?

Near the Capitol, in Washington, in the United States.