Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Introduction

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a grand modern library in Alexandria, rebuilt to honor the ancient world-famous "Library of Alexandria." With its striking design and role as a center of culture and knowledge, it is a major landmark that carries on the city's long tradition of knowledge and civilization. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great and in antiquity (especially the Hellenistic Ptolemaic period) was the Mediterranean's cultural, scholarly and commercial center. The ancient Library of Alexandria was the greatest library and temple of knowledge of the ancient world, gathering countless scrolls and scholars, the peak of ancient civilization—yet it was tragically destroyed and lost over time. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, supported by UNESCO and others, was rebuilt in the early 21st century to revive that glory and spirit. Its design is unique and stunning—a giant tilted cylinder like a sun rising from the Mediterranean (or a great disc), its roof leaning toward the sea, its outer walls inscribed with the scripts of the world—a masterpiece of modern architecture. Inside, a vast tiered main reading hall holds huge collections, alongside museums, exhibition halls and a planetarium—a comprehensive cultural center. Visiting it is a culturally meaningful Alexandria experience.

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