A modern library on the Alexandria waterfront, built as a deliberate answer to the ancient one that was lost.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina sits on the Corniche, close to where the ancient library is thought to have stood. The building is a huge tilted disc of granite, angled towards the sea like a rising sun, its outer wall carved with characters from scripts around the world.
It opened in 2002 and it is the best modern building in Egypt.
The main reading room is the reason. It steps down over eleven cascading levels under a slanted glass roof, and it is one of the most impressive interior spaces anywhere in the Mediterranean. You can walk in and look at it.
It is not only a library. The complex holds several museums — antiquities, manuscripts, and a science museum — plus a planetarium and permanent galleries, so there is a good deal to do inside beyond admiring the architecture.
And it is a deliberate act of memory. The ancient Library of Alexandria was the great intellectual project of the Hellenistic world and its loss became the standard shorthand for cultural catastrophe. Rebuilding on the same shoreline is a statement, and the building carries it well.
The ancient library was founded under the early Ptolemies in the third century BC and was attached to the Mouseion, a research institution that drew scholars from across the Greek world. Eratosthenes measured the circumference of the earth while working here.
The roll call goes further: Euclid worked in Ptolemaic Alexandria, and the city's scholars mapped stars, edited Homer and dissected the workings of the human body while Rome was still a regional power. For about two centuries this was the gravitational centre of Greek science.
It did not burn down in one dramatic night. The collection declined over centuries through fire, funding cuts, political upheaval and neglect, and no single event accounts for its end.
The modern building came from an international architecture competition won by the Norwegian practice Snøhetta, then little known, whose tilted granite disc made the firm's name. The carved characters on the outer wall are drawn from writing systems across the world — the building's way of saying that writing itself, not any one language, is the subject.
The modern library was built through an international project led by Egypt and UNESCO, and opened in 2002. It has shelf space for millions of volumes, and the collection has grown steadily since opening.
Morning or early afternoon. Alexandria is at its best in spring and autumn; it genuinely rains in winter.
Opening hours: Open most days with reduced weekend hours. Check current times before travelling from Cairo.
Opening hours and ticket prices may change. Please confirm the latest details before visiting.
A single column of Aswan granite on a hill of rubble — the last thing standing of the Serapeum, and nothing whatever to do with Pompey.
A Roman tomb cut three levels into the rock under Alexandria, where Egyptian, Greek and Roman art collide in a single room.
A fifteenth-century fort built on the foundations — and partly out of the stones — of the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Experience an extraordinary day journey from Alexandria to Cairo to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilization. This exclusive excursion takes you from the Mediterranean coast to the heart of Egypt’s history, where you will explore the museum’s vast halls filled with priceless antiquities, including the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures. Wander through the Grand Hall, admire the colossal statue of Ramses II, and discover the museum’s modern galleries showcasing artifacts that span thousands of years of Egyptian herit
Indulge in the finest blend of history, culture, and comfort with this 8-day luxury tour across Egypt. This exclusive travel experience is designed for discerning travelers who seek both authenticity and sophistication. Explore the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, uncover the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, and sail the Nile aboard a five-star cruise that glides between Luxor and Aswan. Discover the magnificent temples, royal tombs, and timeless landscapes that define Egypt’s heritage, all while enjoying seamless service, expert guidance, and handpicked luxury accommodations. Every
Share an unforgettable adventure with your family on this 10-day Egypt holiday that combines history, culture, and relaxation. Discover the timeless Pyramids of Giza, the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, and the temples of Luxor and Aswan. Cruise along the Nile, meet the friendly people of a Nubian village, and unwind on the beaches of Sharm El Sheikh. With private guides, comfortable accommodations, and family-friendly activities, this journey offers the perfect balance of exploration and leisure for travelers of all ages.
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day adventure that blends the timeless beauty of Egypt with the futuristic allure of Dubai. Begin in Cairo, where you’ll uncover the secrets of the Great Pyramids and the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Sail along the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, visiting ancient temples and royal tombs. Then, fly to Dubai to experience its dazzling skyline, traditional souks, desert landscapes, and the architectural splendor of Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This journey offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and modern luxury.
Discover the treasures of Egypt and Jordan on this 12-day adventure that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the legendary Pyramids of Giza, cruise along the Nile to witness magnificent temples, and then journey to Jordan to uncover the rose-red city of Petra, the ancient ruins of Jerash, and the serene waters of the Dead Sea. This immersive experience offers a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation across two of the world’s most captivating destinations.
Experience the timeless allure of Egypt on this 8-day adventure that combines ancient history, cultural discovery, and modern comfort. From the legendary pyramids and the treasures of Cairo to the majestic temples along the Nile, this journey offers a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. Enjoy private guided tours in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, and sail aboard a deluxe Nile cruise as you uncover the wonders of Egypt in style.
Bags go through security and large ones must be left at the entrance.
Want to include The Bibliotheca Alexandrina in your Egypt itinerary? Browse our tours or ask for a custom plan.