Library of Congress

 

    On May 24, I went to the Library of Congress in Washington DC. This is another spot in dc that I recommend visiting during your time there! The only downside about this place is the tourism. There are stringent rules, such as not being allowed to stop on your way up and down stairs and take pictures. Flash photography is an obvious one and to always stay clean. A lot of the building is not allowed to be touched. There are signs and staff to help remind you.

    First, let's get started with the art and architecture! In 1801, President John Adams approved five thousand dollars to purchase books exported from London to have such books presented perfectly in the Library. Not only is it a library but also a museum! The place is beautiful on the inside of course and the outside. It is recommended to buy a ticket ahead of time so you don't want in super long lines! I purchased one with my friends a week early before going. 

    When I walked inside, it was absolutely breathtaking. There was so much to look at! The very little details on the ceiling, pillars, walls, etc. Everything looked so perfect and in place. As far as I could tell, there were no flaws in anything! My favorite room was the main room of course. I just loved the theme of the yellows, greens, oranges, and whites going altogether in the paintings or sculptures. I specifically loved how organized and clean it was too. There were many stairs leading up the next floor and the one we chose to walk were towards the exact library. Walking down that little hallway and walking into a huge room of people studying and reading the precious books stored in hundreds of shelves, was such a sight! It was so beautiful with every touch gold colors and paintings. To see the library, you are on a balcony overseeing the entire room with a glass window in front. The ambience was very quiet, yet peaceful. Taking pictures was a challenge since there were strict rules on avoiding disturbance. Basically, you have to rely most on your memory. The library felt so magical. I wanted to be where the people studying were at. The longing feeling of wanting to research something and find one of the books to help me, 

    Aside from the books, there were many other rooms presenting pieces of history from the 1800s and below! My second favorite room was the astronomy history room. There was a small section that showcased the very first research book on space. It was so fascinating learning that in the same building! Other rooms showed history on music, foreign wars, book collections from Shakespeare, etc. So much of it was random and always came to a surprise with every step to a new room. I did not know what I was expecting when I visited but I did leave satisfied! Something else I really appreciated about the museum was the lighting. Most of it was natural sunlight beaming out of the windows and ceiling. But there were also some lamps that went perfectly with the statues and parts of the building. Everything was so well done and symmetrical. You would never get tired of looking at the same spot for hours and hours! The chilling aspect that this place has been standing for hundreds of years still looking as good as it does is mind blowing.

   

     You should definitely visit the Library of Congress during your time at DC because of the deep american/foreign history, breathtaking architecture and paintings, and of course getting a cool souvenir to remember your time! Remember to take pictures when you get the chance! Otherwise, its a mistake to forget the stunning walls, ceiling, and art of the library!