Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4. GUTENBERG BIBLE
This superb example of the first book printed with movable type is one of only three
perfect vellum copies to survive. Also here is the handwritten Giant Bible of Mainz.
5. CREATING THE UNITED STATES
Explore the creative process through which the nation was born. Innovative techno-
logy reveals how drafts of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the
Bill of Rights were forged out of invention, insight, collaboration, and compromise.
6. AFRICAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN READING ROOM
This long room, for research work on this ancient geographical area, is one of 21 that
gives users access to the special collections.
7. MOSAIC OF MINERVA
A beautiful marble mosaic of Minerva overlooks the staircase near the Visitors'
Gallery.
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8. CONCERT SERIES
The Coolidge Auditorium hosts a range of free concerts: solo, trio, and quartet pro-
grams; classical song; period instrument ensembles; jazz, folk, gospel, and pop. Book
tickets in advance through Ticketmaster.
9. AMERICA MAP
In the exhibition “Exploring the Early Americas”, see the 1507 Waldseemüller map,
the first to use the word “America”. Also on view are pre-Columbian artifacts.
10. NEPTUNE FOUNTAIN
Roland Hinton Perry sculpted this dashing tribute to the god Neptune and his court,
installed in 1898 in front of the Jefferson Building.
View photo
