The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the research library of the United States Congress, the largest library in the world, and the oldest federal cultural institution in America. Built in 1800, the library is open to the public. The interior holds many original and rare works of literature, all housed in three buildings throughout Capitol Hill.

The library architecture is as striking as the scope of its collection, with varying church-like halls and Romanesque design found throughout. The buildings of the library are all connected by underground passageways.