The Library of Congress offers many exciting activities on site and online! Entrance to the Thomas Jefferson Building is free and open to the public. You may participate in a guided tour or a gallery talk, or take a self-guided tour of the building and the exhibitions.
Quick Links:
Guided Tours | Event Calendar | Online Tours | Visitor's Guide (PDF, 27 KB) | Get the app for: iPhone or iPad (external link)
Tours at the Library of Congress More guided tours »
Jefferson Building Tour
Take a free one-hour walking tour of this historic building and learn about its symbolic art and architecture. Hear about the history and work of the Library of Congress.
Thomas Jefferson: The Man & His Ideas Tour
Take a glimpse into Thomas Jefferson's life and explore his influence on the Library and the nation.
Music & the Performing Arts at the Library of Congress Tour
Take a look at the Music Division’s history, the personalities who shaped it, and the treasures it holds.
Self-Guided Tours
- Get the Virtual Tour App (external link) on your iPhone to learn about the Jefferson Building and its permanent exhibitions. Or, take an online tour from your computer.
- Pick up a Passport to Knowledge as you enter the Jefferson Building, then use the interactive kiosks there to collect items that interest you. The Passport is your tool to connect with the Library onsite and online. You can see your “collection” myLOC.gov.
- What are the Jefferson Building highlights? (PDF, 1.36MB)
- Featured highlights
Gallery Talks for Exhibitions
Come hear a Library of Congress expert share knowledge about a treasured object or collection! Gallery talks take place almost every Wednesday at noon. For information about current Gallery Talks, please go to the Events Calendar and select "Gallery Talks"
Exhibitions on Display at the Library
See exhibitions in person or view them online.
Hope for America: Performers, Politics and Pop Culture
Ongoing, opened June 11, 2010
Exploring the Early Americas
Ongoing, opened December 12, 2007
Accessibility
The Library buildings are fully accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are provided at the Jefferson Building ground floor information desk.
Group & Student Tours
Coming with a group larger than 10 and would like a guided tour? Advance reservations are required!
Kids & Families
Enjoy fun activities at the Library and explore all the Library has to offer!
Professional Visitors
If you have a professional interest in the work of the Library of Congress, we may be able to plan a customized visits for professional visitors, such as students, librarians, IT specialists, and other working professionals.
