The Library of Congress

Visiting the Library of Congress is a must when in The District. Housing an immense collection of books, photographs, films, maps, recordings, and other artifacts. A plus - it's free to visit! Learn more

[{"selector":"#anim-739542fb-8c2d-4193-b60f-4e2d0432de35","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-bf4481ae-658e-4ae7-8af8-41e54ec5a8b8","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The Library of Congress was established in 1800 by an act of Congress when President John Adams. The initial funding of the library was $5,000.00, about $119,380.95 today. Learn more

[{"selector":"#anim-ad0c3544-5dac-4517-8e5a-a34f3538afc6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a1ffbbae-ee41-4ee3-864c-1a8cc3729350","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Construction on the building which houses the library that we see today began in 1873 and was completed in 1897. It was built in the Italian Renaissance style. Learn more

[{"selector":"#anim-00a066ee-cff7-4bd2-abf1-aa1e97c135cf","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-559207bf-4d8e-4130-9d94-6133b24b5907","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] It is home to some of the world's oldest and most important works of literature, art, music, and film. Learn more

[{"selector":"#anim-788db93f-e14a-47d2-9f7a-dc7799b346fd","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4e520ab2-ef6e-41b3-acec-bf1d85f47ef5","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The Library of Congress holds a wealth of historical documents, photographs, maps, and other artifacts in its special collections, like this Gutenberg Bible. Learn more

[{"selector":"#anim-faf6cb56-6460-491a-a952-ed7fd3e01823 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.499999772451451%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] It will take approximately 1.5 hours to take a self-guided tour of the library. Be prepared to walk approximately ½ mile. Swipe up to learn more. Learn more