In the Steps of The Lost Symbol A Reader's Guide to Washington D.C. View Landmarks and The Lost Symbol in a larger map Architecture is itself a central character in Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol. On your next visit to Washington, D.C., retrace Robert Langdon’s steps with this tour of locales featured in the novel. Library of Congress 101 Independence Avenue SE at 1st Street The ultimate destination for book lovers, the Library of Congress comprises several buildings. The grandest facility, the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building, opened to the public in 1897 and was modeled after the Paris Opera House. Robert Langdon is led there by Warren Bellamy through a tunnel, which is open to visitors and connects to the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. For armchair travelers, the Library's website features a guide to decoding the secret messages lurking in the building's architecture: http://myloc.gov/Education/OnlineActivities/ExhibitObjects/jeffersonbldgsecretmessages.aspx United States Capitol East end of the National Mall The Capitol is the novel's centerpiece. The cornerstone was laid with Masonic ceremonies in 1793, though the subsequent Capitol structure was nearly destroyed by British troops in the War of 1812. The restoration and expansion project was extensive, with major construction completed in 1868. Take time to examine The Apotheosis of Washington, the fresco in the eye of the rotunda that, as The Lost Symbol indicates, portrays George Washington's ascent to the heavens. National Statuary Hall Located in the Capitol, the Statuary Hall houses a majority of the works in the National Statuary Hall Collection. Robert Langdon refers to it as "the best room in all of D.C." when Peter Solomon's assistant tells Robert that this will be the setting for his keynote address. Individual states each donated two statues that honor notable regional figures. The rest of the works in the 100-piece collection are housed in other areas of the Capitol, including the Crypt and the Hall of Columns. United States Botanic Garden West of the Capitol at 1st Street and Independence Avenue Featuring "the nation’s garden," these sumptuous specimens of landscape architecture include fountains, special flower collections, the colorful Orchid House, and, yes, the jungle where Warren Bellamy is held (it's technically a rain forest). Washington Monument 15th Street and Constitution Avenue (west of center on the National Mall) Dan Brown makes thorough use of America's Egyptian obelisk. Although plans for a memorial honoring George Washington had been discussed during the eighteenth century, construction on the Washington Monument did not begin until 1848. The architect, Robert Mills, did not live to see the structure's completion in 1884. Freedom Plaza Pennsylvania Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets The scene of Robert and Katherine's great escape, the Plaza indeed features inlaid stonework that depicts Charles L'Enfant's original plan for the capital city. Franklin Square I Street between 13th and 14th Streets Although Robert deduced that Franklin Square referred to as a mathematical square, not a geographical location, the area is nonetheless a public park surrounded by noteworthy historic sites. As stated in the novel, Alexander Graham Bell sent first wireless message here. BEYOND THE CAPITOL AREA House of the Temple 1733 16th Street NW (between S and R Streets, near the Dupont Circle Metro stop) Featured throughout The Lost Symbol, the House of the Temple has served as the national headquarters of the Scottish Rite Masons' Supreme Council since the building's completion in 1915. Yes, the architecture was inspired by the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (the tomb of Mausolus). Washington National Cathedral 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW at Massachusetts Avenue (bus service provides the best public transportation to the Cathedral) Though the cornerstone was laid in 1907, construction of Dean Galloway's magnificent church would continue for the next 83 years. As described in The Lost Symbol, ten commemorative stones from Mt. Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, are set in the floor in front of the altar. Also don't forget to look for the Darth Vader gargoyle. But bring your binoculars as he is difficult to spot with the naked eye. George Washington Masonic Memorial Alexandria, Virginia, near the King Street Metro station Inspired by the ancient lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt, the memorial contains impressive artifacts from Washington's life. Though Katherine Solomon and Robert only used it as a decoy, it presents numerous historical details that enhance a reading of The Lost Symbol. A reproduction of the Arc of the Covenant can be found in the Royal Arch Chapter Room within the building. Armchair travelers will enjoy the memorial's online tour: http://www.gwmemorial.org/index.php DanBrown.com TheLostSymbol.com Knopfdoubleday.com/danbrown AnchorBooks.com   Doubleday.com