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The Members of Congress Room: An In-Depth Tour |
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 View Facing North select image to enlarge |
 View Facing South select image to enlarge |
| Originally the special reading room for the members of the House of Representatives and later the Council of Scholars Room, this room is used today by members of the United States Congress. It features 11-foot walls of oak paneling, wood carving in the arches over the doors, a beamed ceiling with paintings in the ceiling panels, fireplace mantels of Italian Siena marble at the north and south ends of the room, and mosaics over the mantels. | |
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Features
of the Members of Congress Room
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 North Fireplace's Mosaic Panel Representing Law |  South Fireplace's Mosaic Panel Representing History |
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Seven
Ceiling Panels Representing the Spectrum of Light
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| The seven panels in the ceiling, decorated by Carl Gutherz, represent the Spectrum of Light. Each panel contains one of the spectrum's seven colors with a central figure representing human or divine achievement. There are two cherubs in each corner representing arts or sciences and eight escutcheons, one with the title of the decoration and the seals of states. These elements are combined into an elaborate scroll design. | |
 Indigo Ceiling Panel Representing the Light of Science |
 Yellow Ceiling Panel Representing the Creation of Light |
 Blue Ceiling Panel Representing the Light of Truth |
 Orange Ceiling Panel Representing the Light of Excellence |
 Green Ceiling Panel Representing the Light of Research |
 Red Ceiling Panel Representing the Light of Poetry |
 Violet Ceiling Panel Representing the Light of State |
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Other
Features of the Members of Congress Room
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 Lunette over North and South Entrance Doors |
 Lunette over Central Entrance Door |
 Wall Light |
 Conference Table with Griffins |
 Desk and Chippendale Chair |
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Public Tours
& Visitor Information - Library
of Congress Maps and Floor Plans
Library of Congress Home Page
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Library of Congress