Just across 1st St SE from the Capitol is the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress. One of the first things you’ll see after entering is the Great Hall. It is spectacular to see if you ever go. We had some time to kill before our Capitol tour and decided to go in not knowing what to expect. It is quite a site.
From the Brave browser’s Leo AI:
The Thomas Jefferson Building houses several key areas and collections accessible via its virtual online tours, including the Great Hall, the Main Reading Room, and the Member’s Room.
- The Great Hall: Features a soaring stained-glass skylight, intricate mosaics (including the Minerva mosaic by Elihu Vedder), marble columns, and a Gutenberg Bible on display.
- The Main Reading Room: A circular space with a magnificent dome, surrounded by eight giant marble columns supporting 10-foot allegorical figures representing fields like Law, Science, and History.
- The Member’s Room: Used by members of Congress, this room features 11-foot oak paneling and two large mosaics by Frederick Dielman representing Law and History.
- The Librarian’s Room: Now serving as the "Librarian's Ceremonial Office," it contains original furniture and ceiling paintings by Edward J. Holslag and Albert Weinert.
- Thomas Jefferson’s Library: A special exhibition displaying 6,487 books originally purchased from Jefferson in 1815 to rebuild the library’s collection after the War of 1812.
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Thanks for dropping by!

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