Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Quick Facts
- Location
- Egypt
- Category
- Museum
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Ticket Price
- Adult: Non-Egyptians: EGP 150 for the Main Library ticket, EGP 300 for the inclusive ticket; Egyptians: EGP 10 and EGP 50 · Student: School and university students: EGP 20 and EGP 120 for non-Egyptians, EGP 5 and EGP 25 for Egyptians · Single museums for adults: Antiquities EGP 100 or EGP 20, Manuscripts EGP 60 or EGP 20, History of Science marked closed for maintenance EGP 50 or EGP 10. At the Planetarium centre, shows are EGP 200 or EGP 20, ALEXploratorium EGP 150 or EGP 10, the 12D theatre EGP 150 or EGP 30. Professional camera stills in the Antiquities Museum cost EGP 250 and video EGP 400 for non-Egyptians; mobile photos are free.
- Address
- Egypt Alexandria Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Coordinates
- 31.2090, 29.9090
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.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Ticket Information
| Adult | Non-Egyptians: EGP 150 for the Main Library ticket, EGP 300 for the inclusive ticket; Egyptians: EGP 10 and EGP 50 |
|---|---|
| Student | School and university students: EGP 20 and EGP 120 for non-Egyptians, EGP 5 and EGP 25 for Egyptians |
| Senior | Age 60 and over pays the adult price; Egyptian seniors over seventy enter free |
| Free Admission | Special needs visitors and the Taha Hussein Library are free; Egyptian children aged 4 to 6 enter the Callimachus Triangle free |
Single museums for adults: Antiquities EGP 100 or EGP 20, Manuscripts EGP 60 or EGP 20, History of Science marked closed for maintenance EGP 50 or EGP 10. At the Planetarium centre, shows are EGP 200 or EGP 20, ALEXploratorium EGP 150 or EGP 10, the 12D theatre EGP 150 or EGP 30. Professional camera stills in the Antiquities Museum cost EGP 250 and video EGP 400 for non-Egyptians; mobile photos are free.
💡 Tips
FAQ
How much is the admission for Bibliotheca Alexandrina?
Adult: Non-Egyptians: EGP 150 for the Main Library ticket, EGP 300 for the inclusive ticket; Egyptians: EGP 10 and EGP 50; Student: School and university students: EGP 20 and EGP 120 for non-Egyptians, EGP 5 and EGP 25 for Egyptians; Senior: Age 60 and over pays the adult price; Egyptian seniors over seventy enter free; Free Admission: Special needs visitors and the Taha Hussein Library are free; Egyptian children aged 4 to 6 enter the Callimachus Triangle free; Single museums for adults: Antiquities EGP 100 or EGP 20, Manuscripts EGP 60 or EGP 20, History of Science marked closed for maintenance EGP 50 or EGP 10. At the Planetarium centre, shows are EGP 200 or EGP 20, ALEXploratorium EGP 150 or EGP 10, the 12D theatre EGP 150 or EGP 30. Professional camera stills in the Antiquities Museum cost EGP 250 and video EGP 400 for non-Egyptians; mobile photos are free.
Any practical tips for visiting Bibliotheca Alexandrina?
Marvel at its unique disc design like a sun rising from the Mediterranean. This modern library revives the greatest temple of knowledge of antiquity.
How long should I spend at Bibliotheca Alexandrina?
A typical visit takes 1.5 hours.
