Library of Congress

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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), 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 The Declaration's Promise: A Revolutionary Idea, The Great Hall, Gutenberg Bible.

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.