Alexandria Library: Explore Bibliotheca Alexandrina

On Alexandria’s Mediterranean coast, a huge disc of granite is rising from the waters like the sun emerging from the horizon – the Alexandria Library. This masterpiece of modern architecture, with its breathtaking views over the sea, is one of Egypt’s most impressive contemporary cultural monuments. The ancient world’s premier intellectual attraction finds its worthy successor in this cultural center of outstanding libraries, museums, and cultural events in Alexandria. This is the place to while away a morning if you are in this port city. This guide will tell you about its history, modern interior, and what to expect when you visit the Alexandria Library.

What Is the Alexandria Library and Why Is It Famous?

There are two reasons for the Alexandria Library’s fame: contemporaneity and history. Currently, it is a research library and cultural center. Secondly, the ancient library’s legacy lives on through this complex, which evokes a sense of history of the place. You will see the modern and the old in this place in Alexandria, Egypt.

What Is Bibliotheca Alexandrina?

Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the official name of the library, and it is what the building is called in the books and maps. Not only the main hall of a library with its thousands of volumes but also several museums, a planetarium, and event halls make up the complex. For tourists, the Alexandria Library is a great place to explore. Our guide to things to do in Alexandria, Egypt, will help you plan your sightseeing tour, including the museums and other buildings of this complex.

How Is the Modern Library Connected to the Ancient Library of Alexandria?

The ancient library was the center of scientific thought in the Ptolemaic civilization and was known as the most extensive repository of human knowledge in the ancient world. Fourth century BC, it was founded in Alexandria as part of the educational institution that attracted many scholars from different parts of the known world. Over time, the ancient library fell into oblivion, and no trace of its existence remained for centuries. Although the modern building is not a reconstruction of the ancient library, it stands as the center of wisdom and the center of the known world, collecting the knowledge of different civilizations.

When Was the New Alexandria Library Opened?

The new library in Alexandria was opened to the public in October 2002. It was designed by an international architectural competition in which many famous architects participated. The project was carried out with the support of the Government of Egypt and UNESCO. The Alexandria Library building complex was strategically located near the ancient library’s site.

The building is an attraction in its own right before you even enter, and the design is one of the main reasons why travelers include it in their itinerary for Alexandria.

Who Designed the Modern Alexandria Library?

The architectural design firm Snøhetta won the competition for the design of the building. They came up with the idea of ​​a single structure that evokes the shape of a gathering, not separate buildings.

What Does the Library’s Design as a Whole Mean?

The circle is part of the sun’s rays, but the building’s architects say it is tilted to reflect sunlight and symbols of the Mediterranean Sea around the world. At the base of the building is a shallow pool, and a sloping roof allows daylight to illuminate the interior. As soon as you get close to the building, it seems that the architects are trying to draw you into the center.

What Are the Most Noteworthy Architectural Details?

The most prominent feature of the modern Alexandria Library is the relief decoration on the sandstone blocks that make up the outer walls of the building. Different characters and pictograms from more than a hundred writing systems have been carved out. It is a reminder that the library’s collection belongs to different civilizations and cultures. Inside the library, the reading hall is impressively opened. The panoramic windows create a sense of space typical of the local culture. The walls of the building are not fully closed but are made of terraced levels descending inside the slope. All of this creates a great spatial feeling, absent in the usual library interiors. Our Egypt Travel Guide has more details about the history of the building’s location and the significance of Alexandria’s architecture.

Besides its architecture, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina has plenty to offer as a place to explore perfect for a morning’s entertainment.

What Makes the Main Reading Room Special?

As befits a modern library, the main reading room is huge, with a sloping roof that the visitor gazes up at from floor-level seats in tiers. Just wandering around the reading room is an experience in itself, with plenty of seating for those wishing to linger. Even if you don’t plan to read, it’s hard not to be impressed by the atmosphere of this great hall. Sunlight filters through the windows, and the hush of the room is conducive to study — if that’s what you came for.

Which Museums and Exhibitions Can Visitors Explore?

Inside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina complex, the visitor will find museums, a planetarium, and changing exhibits and performances. The museums are the Antiquities Museum featuring Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and later artifacts from Alexandria and the Manuscripts Museum, showcasing papyrus and parchment. Besides the museums, a variety of art and cultural displays and performances are available. However, these can change, so it’s worth checking the website for the latest information.

What Cultural Events and Activities Take Place at the Library?

The list of cultural events and activities at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is extensive: concerts, lectures, film screenings, and more are regularly on offer so it’s worth finding out what’s playing while you’re there. Besides being a beautiful building to explore, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a vibrant center of culture in Alexandria.

Visiting the library is a straightforward process, and you can spend both a short while and a long while there.

Where Is Alexandria Library Located?

This library is located on the Corniche, Alexandria’s main thoroughfare, and it is situated in the heart of this northern Egyptian city and near Alexandria University. The best part is that you can order a taxi or a ride-hailing service to take you there, and the whole experience of driving along the Corniche is part of the fun.

What Are the Opening Hours and Ticket Options?

The hours of operation and ticket policies tend to change often, and separate tickets may be required for different wings and exhibits, but you can learn about the latest policies on the Bibliotheca Alexandrina website. It is advisable to double-check the opening times, especially if you are planning to visit the museums and the planetarium.

Are Guided Tours Available at Alexandria Library?

In most cases, they are. Conducting a tour of this library complex and being shown the fascinating details and hearing the intriguing facts about the original Library of Alexandria is an invaluable experience. The information that a guide can provide about the architectural peculiarities of the buildings and the fascinating exhibits in the museums cannot be found in any of the library’s bookshops. Therefore, if you are visiting Alexandria on a guided tour, ask the guide if they can arrange for a tour guide at the library.

Alexandria has a wealth of sights within easy distance of the Great Library. Here are some of the top attractions and why you may want to include them in your visit.

Why Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay?

This impressive structure is perched on the edge of the eastern harbor and dates back to the 1500s. It was built on the location of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The view from the top is spectacular, and the Citadel makes a nice addition to an otherwise Corniche-bound day.

What Can You Discover at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa?

These intriguing catacombs are an excavation of an ancient burial ground, featuring a mix of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman culture and decor. The artifacts date from different periods in history, and the catacombs themselves are multi-leveled and include many fascinating inscriptions and statues. Definitely worth a visit if you're interested in history and archaeology, and a great way to spend a day wandering around Alexandria.

Is the Alexandria Corniche Worth Exploring?

I think you'll enjoy wandering around this stretch of the Mediterranean Sea. The road hugs the coast for miles, and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views. A long walk along the Corniche is a great way to relax and take in the surroundings after a day sightseeing, especially as the sun is beginning to set.

The Alexandria Library offers a unique experience that is different from the standard tourist attractions in Egypt. Indeed, this cultural center is a modern building with a long history behind it. As the ancient capital of Egypt, Alexandria was short of being discovered as the explorers arrived in the city in search of the source of the Nile in 1884. Thus, it takes around three hours to get from Cairo to Alexandria, making it an excellent option as both day excursion and as an addition to an overnight stay in an exotic city.

For those who wish to integrate this popular tourist attraction into a larger sightseeing experience, the Trans Travel website provides Egypt travel packages. The Alexandria Library is a great addition to either of the Egypt Vacation Package or Cairo and Nile Cruise Package as it best represents the cultural heritage of this country.

1- What Is the Alexandria Library Called Today?

The modern library is called the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. It is a progressive library and cultural center that was created to revive the ancient library in Alexandria.

2- When Did the New Alexandria Library Open?

The building opened its doors in October 2002 after an international architectural competition.

3- Who Designed Bibliotheca Alexandrina?

A Norwegian architectural firm called Snoehetta designed the new library. It has a circular shape that tumbles upwards to form the shape of the sun.

4- Can Tourists Visit Alexandria Library?

Yes, tourists are welcome to visit the new library and enjoy the research and reading rooms and the museums. However, it is advisable to check the library’s website for visiting hours and ticket information.

5- Is Alexandria Library the Same as the Ancient Library of Alexandria?

No, the modern library only shares its name with the ancient library. It was constructed to commemorate the ancient library that was burned down, and it is located near the site of the first library. The new library was opened by the mayor of Alexandria in 2002.