At 901 G St NW in Washington, DC, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is the city’s central library, in a building designed by German-born architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Its floors hold much more than books: explore a maker lab with 3D printers, sewing machines and Cricut cutters, or see an exhibition about Dr. King’s work on the fourth floor. Head to the fifth-floor rooftop terrace for city views and a quieter place to sit. The library also has learning studios and spaces for cultural events.
A central library designed by Mies van der Rohe
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is Washington, DC’s central library. German-born architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed the building, which is named for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The library combines its public collections and learning resources with places to make, study and attend events. Its renovated spaces include learning studios, a theater and a rooftop garden.
Exhibitions, making and learning
On the fourth floor, an exhibition documents Dr. King’s work. The library also has a maker lab with 3D printers, sewing machines and Cricut cutters, giving visitors a place to explore creative tools.
Free classes and cultural events take place at the library. Seasonal musical performances have been held in the rooftop garden, with local bands and views over the city.
Studios and the rooftop
The audio recording studio and dance studio are available by reservation. The fifth-floor rooftop terrace is a place to pause and look out over Washington, DC.
For a quieter stretch of the visit, go to the upper floors, where you’ll find seating areas with bright lights and large windows.
FAQ
What can you see at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library?
The fourth floor has an exhibition documenting Dr. King’s work. The library also has a maker lab, learning studios, a theater and a fifth-floor rooftop terrace.
Does the library have a maker lab?
Yes. It has 3D printers, sewing machines and Cricut cutters.
Can you use the recording and dance studios?
Both studios are available by reservation.
Are there free events at the library?
The library offers free classes and cultural events. Seasonal musical performances have also taken place in the rooftop garden.
