Many trips to Washington, DC make time to visit Capitol Hill. But not all make time for the Library of Congress.
Whether you are planning a quick weekend in Washington or finalizing a packed, weeklong itinerary, there is one stop that should always make your list: the Library of Congress.
As the largest library in the world, it holds more than 170 million items in collection. But walking into its historic Thomas Jefferson Building can be overwhelming. While self-guided brochures are available, booking a Library of Congress guided tour is the absolute best way to experience this National Historic Landmark.
Top 3 reasons to take a guided tour of the Library of Congress:
1. Uncover the Hidden Architecture and Symbolism
At first glance, the Great Hall is a breathtaking explosion of Gilded Age architecture and Italian Renaissance styling. On this tour, you hear the meaning built into the marble. The Jefferson building a has several distinct spaces that we will explore in full, moving from outside to ground level, to the majestic overlook of the reading room.
My favorite places in the Jefferson Building are:
Minerva Mosaic: Elihu Vedder’s mosaic of the Roman goddess of wisdom guarding the path to the spectacular reading room sets the tone for the institution.
Main Reading Room: Viewed from a glass-enclosed overlook, the 160 feet tall main reading room is in the running for best interior working space in the city.
Great Hall: Hidden details in the intricate marble carvings, including sculptures representing various historical occupations and globe-bearers symbolizing the continents.
2. Stand Face-to-Face with History’s Rarest Treasures
The Library of Congress houses priceless artifacts, but navigating the rotating exhibits alone means you might breeze right past world-changing history. As the guide guide knows exactly where to direct your attention. They will share the captivating context behind:
The Gutenberg Bible: One of the earliest major books printed using movable type.
Thomas Jefferson’s Personal Library: A stunning, physical recreation of the massive collection of books Jefferson sold to rebuild the library after a devastating tragedy.
Current Exhibition: The Library’s rotating exhibitions always featuring gems from the collection that illustrate the power and importance of the institution. As if this writing the current exhibition is "The Declaration's Promise: A Revolutionary Idea.”
3. Master Logistics and Avoid Common Mistakes
Planning a trip to Capitol Hill involves moving parts, and professional guides are experts at navigating federal building procedures. Taking a guided tour helps you seamlessly manage:
Tickets and Timing: Our two hour tour will include time outdoors exploring the Library campus and exterior architecture. Then we’ll queue up to enter the Library and explore the cast interior. Free timed tickets are required to enter the Library — don’t worry, we will handle this part.
Seamless Connections: As always, we start on time and end on time. Whether your next stop is a U.S. Capitol Building tour (we’ll get you there, underground!) or back to the hotel for rest and relaxation, we will respect your schedule and point you in the right direction for your next adventure.
If you want to move past standard sightseeing and truly connect with American history, let an expert lead the way at the Library of Congress. Tours are in the morning, Tuesday-Saturday. Click here to learn more or Book now!