America in context

App Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the world's largest library and the largest body of knowledge under a single roof. Whether you're onsite, at home, in a classroom or elsewhere, this application will give you a virtual tour that mirrors the Library of Congress Experience, an award-winning group of exhibitions and features that has drawn record numbers of visitors.

You can learn more about the Library at loc.gov, or experience online versions of our compelling onsite interactives and save your own collection of artifacts atmyLOC.gov.

The Library of Congress - Virtual Tour allows you to explore its major halls and collections. Very impressive is the Main Reading Room. The app discusses the architecture, the decorations and the art of each section, and details in stunning photographs by Carol M. Highsmith.   

Main Reading Room

The Eight Symbolic Statues and Their Inscriptions

Eight giant marble columns each support 10-foot-high allegorical female figures in plaster representing characteristic features of civilized life and thought: Religion, Commerce, History, Art, Philosophy, Poetry, Law and Science. Their titles are inscribed in gilt letters on a tablet in the frieze below them.

Above each statue is a large tablet bearing an inscription in gilt letters. Each of the eight inscriptions, appropriate to the subject of the statue below it, was chosen by Harvard University President Charles W. Eliot.

The Sixteen Bronze Statues

Sixteen bronze statues set along the balustrade of the galleries represent men renowned for their accomplishments in the categories of knowledge and activity represented by the eight symbolic statues. The subjects were chosen by Ainsworth Rand Spofford, Librarian of Congress 1864-1897.

The statues are paired, each pair flanking one of the eight giant marble columns. The names of individual figures are inscribed on the wall directly behind the statue. The list of those selected as representatives of human thought and civilization follows, along with the name of the sculptor of each statue.

Photography by Carol M. Highsmith

Additional chapters include: The Great Hall, Exploring the Early Americas, Creating the United States, The Bible Collection, Thomas Jefferson's Library, and Minerva, a mosaic by Elihu Vedder (1836-1923).

You can download Library of Congress - Virtual Tour from the iTunes store. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.