Library of Congress

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The Declaration's Promise: A Revolutionary Idea

Library collections trace how Americans have argued with, rallied around and reached for the Declaration of Independence — its ideals of equality, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Now showing3 Jul – 3 Jul 2027Free

"Alive in Many Hands": The American Folklife Center at 50

Highlights from the American Folklife Center's 50 years of collecting: recordings, photos and objects on the living traditions of food, play, work and place.

Now showing18 Sept – 8 Jan 2028Free

Permanent Collections

Gutenberg Bible

On display in the Great Hall, the Library's perfect vellum Gutenberg Bible marks the beginning of the printed book and the explosion of knowledge set off by movable type.

Permanent collectionFree

Here to Stay: The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin

Music manuscripts and personal effects from the Gershwin collection, including George's piano and desk, Ira's typing table and typewriter, and oil self-portraits by each brother.

Permanent collectionFree

Thomas Jefferson's Library

A recreation of Jefferson's personal library: the 6,487 volumes he sold to Congress in 1815 to refound the Library, in the Southwest Pavilion of the Jefferson Building.

Permanent collectionFree

The Great Hall

The Jefferson Building's ceremonial heart, rising 75 feet from a marble floor to stained glass, with Elihu Vedder's Minerva mosaic, a zodiac floor compass and work by nearly fifty American artists.

Permanent collectionFree

Nearby

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Folger Shakespeare Library

ArchitectureFree2 min walk

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National Museum of the American Indian

ArtFree12 min walk

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Rubell Museum DC

Art14 min walk

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National Air and Space Museum

HistoryFree16 min walk

Visitor Information

Is Library of Congress free to visit?

Yes, general admission to Library of Congress is free. Free for all visitors. Every visitor, regardless of age, must reserve a free timed-entry pass. Passes are released up to 30 days ahead, with same-day passes online from 9:00 a.m. ET. Individuals can book up to 20 passes; groups of 21 or more use a separate registration form.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.

What are the opening hours of Library of Congress?

Library of Congress is open Thomas Jefferson Building open to visitors Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-17:00, last entry 16:30. Late opening Thursdays until 20:00 for Live! at the Library (a separate free 5 p.m. timed-entry pass is required for the evening session). Closed Sundays, Mondays and select federal holidays, including Thanksgiving (26 Nov 2026), Christmas Day (25 Dec 2026) and New Year's Day (1 Jan 2027). Free timed-entry passes required at all times. Note: the Library's reading rooms run on a separate schedule and do open on Mondays.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is Library of Congress?

Library of Congress is located at Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE, Washington, DC 20540, United States, in the Capitol Hill area of Washington, DC. The nearest stations are Capitol South Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver Line), Union Station Metro (Red Line) and Federal Center SW Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver Line).

What can I see at Library of Congress?

The world's largest library: a gilded Great Hall, the Gutenberg Bible and Jefferson's own books, steps from the Capitol. Current highlights include Gutenberg Bible, Here to Stay: The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin and "Alive in Many Hands": The American Folklife Center at 50.

Do I need to book Library of Congress in advance?

Library of Congress is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free for all visitors. Every visitor, regardless of age, must reserve a free timed-entry pass. Passes are released up to 30 days ahead, with same-day passes online from 9:00 a.m. ET. Individuals can book up to 20 passes; groups of 21 or more use a separate registration form.. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.

When is the best time to visit Library of Congress?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.