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Library of Congress


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #20 of 276 attractions in Washington DC
Traveler Description:
Though the Library of Congress doesn't own every book ever published, it sure has most of them, with 532 miles of shelves and 115 million items, with... more » Though the Library of Congress doesn't own every book ever published, it sure has most of them, with 532 miles of shelves and 115 million items, with 7,000 added each working day. « less
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Attraction type: Library, Government building, History museum
Activities: Group tours/walking tour
Address: First Street SE between Independence Ave. and E. Capitol Street Washington DC, DC 20540
Tel: 202 707 8000

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Library of Congress

( 1-10 of 18 )
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5 of 5 stars
Philadelphia, PA
Nov 16, 2008

This was one of our favorite stops on our recent trip to DC. Neither my wife or I were overly excited or interested, but the building sells itself. The hallways are amazingly colorful and full of history. Beautifully desinged ceilings. A definite must-see. The two exhibits that were up (Early Americas & Jefferson) while we were there were fantastic as... more

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1 of 5 stars
Joplin, Missouri
Sep 19, 2008
0/1 found this review helpful

I made the assumption that this building was open like the Smithsonian Museums 7 days a week excluding Christmas. We were sadly disappointed with ourselves for not checking. It clearly states on their website they are not open on Sunday. Do not make the same mistake by making all the effort we did to get there and have it closed.... more

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5 of 5 stars
TravelingTulip
Sep 8, 2008

The Library of Congress was one of my favorite stops in DC. The interior is just gorgeous, definitely something that should NOT be missed! They also offer free tours at certain times in the day and our tour guide was so informative. We were defintiely glad we took a tour since he offered tons of information we would have not... more

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5 of 5 stars
San Diego
Sep 8, 2008

Seeing a library may not sound very exciting but this is truly a must-see place in Washington DC. It is beautiful from inside. Totally worth your time! more

Aug 27, 2008

The building is just absolutely stunning inside and out. We took a tour through our congressman and it was fun and interesting to listen to the tid-bits of information they offer plus we got to see the actual library area. more

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4 of 5 stars
Jönköping
Aug 17, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

The docent tour is a must to see the main chamber of the library, but if you are unlucky there are restorations blocking the view. The architecture is incredible and almost over the top. (The cherub with a phone is a blast.) The exhibits are surprisingly interesting and the Jefferson library is really nice. The tour is short, but you... more

Jul 25, 2008

So, if you do decide to go to the Library of Congress, make sure you go the the right one. After going through the rigmarole of security we enter what we thought was the Library of Congress only to be asked: "you're tourists aren't you?" Was it that obvious? Yup. We were in a working building of the Library of... more

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4 of 5 stars
clarksville tennessee
Jul 24, 2008

Visited on our last day in DC with an 11 year old. Nice stop while in the Capitol Hill area. We all enjoyed it. Pretty impressive to see all the Thomas Jefferson books and rough drafts to the improtant documents in our history. more

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5 of 5 stars
Cleveland, Ohio
Jul 15, 2008

I was just in D.C. with twelve and thirteen year old girls. We were able to get passes for the Congressional Tour and it was amazing. Malcolm was our tour guide and was very knowledgeable and entertaining as well. They currently have the Book of Secrets from National Treasure. Also the recent permanent exhibit of Thomas Jefferson's library is stunning.... more

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5 of 5 stars
Marietta, Georgia
Jun 29, 2008

On our last day in D.C. we decided to visit the Library of Congress and I'm so glad we did! I was travelling with my husband and two children (ages 7 3/4 and 5). My 7 year old really wanted to see the Library of Congress and I was afraid we wouldn't fit it in. I'm so glad we did.... more

Reviews of Library of Congress

( 1-10 of 18 )
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Library of Congress: Management Resources

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Library of Congress Address

First Street SE between Independence Ave. and E. Capitol Street, Washington DC, DC 20540
Tel: 202 707 8000