Carnegie Library of Washington D.C.

The Carnegie Library of Washington D.C. is a Beaux-Arts library building with symmetrical facades, detailed stonework, and a grand central staircase. The structure spans multiple floors with exhibition spaces, research areas, and modern creative studios.

The building opened in 1903 with funding from Andrew Carnegie and was the first desegregated public building in Washington D.C. This opening marked a turning point in the city's civil rights history.

The building houses the DC History Center, where visitors can explore exhibits about the capital's development and transformation. These collections show how the city and its people have changed over time.

The building offers free daily workshops on photography, filmmaking, music production, coding, and design in renovated studio spaces. Visitors should check ahead to see which sessions are available at their arrival time.

The basement level houses the Carnegie Gallery with historical photographs and documents about the building's own past. This space brings together historical archive materials with modern retail areas, showing how the place has transformed over the decades.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1902

Architects: Albert Randolph Ross

Official opening: January 7, 1903

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Address: 801 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Website: http://dchistory.org/about/carnegielibrary

GPS coordinates: 38.90260,-77.02290

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:51