It had been decades since I had visited the U. S. Library of Congress, so my wife and I made a point of visiting it during our Christmas break. Though the style of architecture and painted ceilings in the library is found throughout Europe, it is rare in America.
The first photo benefits the most from viewing at a larger size.
Photo 1: Main Reading Room
Photographed through thick glass; the photo required well more than an hour of touch up. The reading room is large and circular with alcoves all around the exterior. Due to the constraints, only a small portion of the reading area (the desks and floor) can be seen from the viewing area.
Photo 2: Arches and ceiling of the mezzanine
Captured by my wife. Post-processed by me.
Photo 3: Minerva of Peace
Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom and learning but she is portrayed in this mosaic as the goddess of peace.
Photo 4: Detail of an upper wall
In the room housing the re-created library of Thomas Jefferson. His library was the founding collection of the Library of Congress after it had previously been lost to a fire.
Photo 5: Art and arches in the mezzanine
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24th December 2014, 12:05 AM #1
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Interior of the U. S. Library of Congress
Last edited by Mike Buckley; 24th December 2014 at 12:40 AM.
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24th December 2014, 12:14 AM #2
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Re: Interior of the U. S. Library of Congress
Thanks for sharing these Mike. I've got to get back there to see some of these U.S. treasures.
I imagine the restrictions on cameras are/were pretty tight?
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24th December 2014, 12:22 AM #3
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Re: Interior of the U. S. Library of Congress
Thanks, Alan!
The restriction on cameras requires only that you don't use flash. I used a tripod at all times with permission but my guess is that they don't grant permission during the summer tourist season when the crowds are considerably larger. My wife handheld the camera for her photos.
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24th December 2014, 01:34 AM #4
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Re: Interior of the U. S. Library of Congress
Nice compositions.
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24th December 2014, 09:21 AM #5
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Re: Interior of the U. S. Library of Congress
Hi Mike,I like the compositions
#1 really makes sense when viewed at a larger size.
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24th December 2014, 12:55 PM #6
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Re: Interior of the U. S. Library of Congress
awsome, now thats what I call a library, thanks for sharing, another item on the bucket list
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24th December 2014, 02:26 PM #7
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Re: Interior of the U. S. Library of Congress
Mike...there were numerous things on my never to have achieved bucket list, visiting our Nation's
Capital being one of them. I do thank you for displaying them for our viewing pleasure.
Using the words "superlative images" doesn't quite cut it as there are great shots. Thanks!
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24th December 2014, 02:38 PM #8
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Re: Interior of the U. S. Library of Congress
Thank you, everyone!
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