Sight guide · Washington, D.C. · United States
Visiting Library of Congress (Jefferson Building)
Opened in 1897, the Thomas Jefferson Building is one of the most ornate interiors in the US: a Great Hall of marble, mosaics and murals, an overlook into the domed Main Reading Room, a Gutenberg Bible and a recreation of Thomas Jefferson's own library.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) is an architectural landmark in Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.. Allow 1–1.5 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Architecture
- Area
- Capitol Hill
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, architecture, history and rainy day
- Best months
- March–May
About Library of Congress (Jefferson Building)
Opened in 1897, the Thomas Jefferson Building is one of the most ornate interiors in the US: a Great Hall of marble, mosaics and murals, an overlook into the domed Main Reading Room, a Gutenberg Bible and a recreation of Thomas Jefferson's own library. Entry is free.
Tip: Head up to the Main Reading Room overlook first, then come back down to the Great Hall for photographs.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Capitol Hill, painted rowhouses, Eastern Market and the Library of Congress.
Best time to visit Library of Congress (Jefferson Building)
Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- March: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- April: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Washington, D.C. has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Washington, D.C. itinerary visits Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) on day 2, together with United States Capitol and Eastern Market.
- No. 9 of the 20 sights in our Washington, D.C. things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Washington, D.C..
- One of the picks in washington, D.C. on a rainy day.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Washington, D.C..
Near Library of Congress (Jefferson Building)
Also in Capitol Hill, so you can walk between them:
- United States Capitol — 1.5–2 hours, free
- Eastern Market — 1–2 hours, free
If you like Library of Congress (Jefferson Building)
- National Mall — National Mall, Half a day
- Lincoln Memorial — National Mall, 45 minutes
- National Air and Space Museum — National Mall, 2–3 hours
- National Museum of Natural History — National Mall, 2–3 hours
Staying near Library of Congress (Jefferson Building)
Stay in Capitol Hill ($$$) to walk here: painted rowhouses, Eastern Market and the Library of Congress. All areas to stay in Washington, D.C..
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Library of Congress (Jefferson Building)?
Plan 1–1.5 hours. With United States Capitol nearby, it fits a half-day in Capitol Hill.
+Is Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Library of Congress (Jefferson Building)?
March–May, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Head up to the Main Reading Room overlook first, then come back down to the Great Hall for photographs.
+Do I need to book Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.