The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern library and cultural complex on the Mediterranean in Alexandria. It opened in 2002 as a tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria. Its tilted, disc-shaped building appears to rise from the water, and its outer walls carry engraved lettering from many scripts. Inside you will find a large reading hall, museums, galleries for temporary and permanent exhibitions, and a manuscript restoration laboratory. Allow time to walk the building and look at the outer walls before you go in.
From the ancient library to the modern complex
The original Library of Alexandria was for centuries one of the great centers of learning in the ancient world. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened in 2002 to revive that tradition of scholarship and openness. Its stated aim is to be a place for learning, tolerance and mutual understanding.
The complex holds several libraries, a reading room, museums and galleries, and a planetarium. It has become one of Egypt's major cultural venues and hosts international performers in its theater. It is a library and a cultural center in one building.
The building and its walls
The main facade faces the Mediterranean, and the disc-shaped structure is the view most people associate with the site. Around the outside, engraved letters and symbols cover the walls. Look at them near the B1 entrance before you go in, since they set the tone for the visit.
Inside, the walls also carry letters from hundreds of languages. The building is large, so expect a lot of walking between its halls and levels.
Inside the complex
A large reading hall fills the interior. Natural light comes in from the ceiling, which makes the space feel open. Digital knowledge hubs let students and scholars reach collections on screen.
Most of the artworks are on the B1 basement level, where the cultural exhibits are. Among the displays are artefacts from older printing presses and rare manuscripts. The library is a working library, so keep your voice low in reading areas, as people are studying.
How a visit works
Arrive early in the day and get tickets in advance. Expect one line to pay, another for bag checks and another for ticket checks. Card payments are handled at specific windows, so staff will direct you there.
The ticket offices sit on the opposite side of the building from the sea-facing facade, so allow a longer walk to reach them. Students get a discount on each ticket. A free guided tour lasts about 20 minutes or a little more, and you need to register to join it. It covers the library's website, its museums and some of its rare manuscripts.
The bookstore is small, and its English-language selection is limited. If you want English titles on Islam, Christianity or the history of the region, do not count on finding them there. Wear comfortable shoes for the walking.
The entrance, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. The Citadel of Qaitbay is at the end of the corniche, and the two sites are easy to combine on the same day.
FAQ
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Getting tickets in advance is recommended. The ticket offices are on the far side of the building from the sea-facing facade, so allow extra time to reach them.
How long do you need at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina?
Plan 1 to 2 hours for the full visit. The free guided tour lasts about 20 minutes or a little more, and you need to register to join it.
Is there a free guided tour?
Yes. The tour is free and covers the library's website, its museums and some of its rare manuscripts. Register before you join.
Is the library wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Are there student discounts?
Students get a discount on each ticket.
