Alexandria Bibliotheca

Wonderful modern building. Stunning architecture and apart from the library archive of books and manuscripts (still enormous even if it’s not the old library!) there is also an exhibition that is very interesting. Ticket price affordable and cheap

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt, is an architectural and cultural masterpiece that beautifully revives the spirit of the ancient Library of Alexandria. From the moment you approach the stunning circular building overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, you can feel the sense of knowledge, innovation, and history that it embodies. Its modern design, with the massive tilted glass roof engraved with letters from hundreds of languages, is truly awe-inspiring. Inside, the library is even more impressive—spacious, bright, and filled with millions of books, manuscripts, and digital archives from around the world. The atmosphere is calm and inspiring, making it the perfect place for learning, reflection, and exploration. In addition to its vast collection, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina houses museums, art galleries, a planetarium, and cultural exhibitions that celebrate Egypt’s rich heritage and global contributions to science and the arts. Visiting this landmark is a must for anyone coming to Alexandria. It’s not just a library—it’s a symbol of human knowledge, creativity, and connection across generations. A truly unforgettable experience that blends the ancient and the modern in the most elegant way.

I came here on a day trip from Cairo. It was an interesting ride with driver and a guide. The nicest building along the way was the prison. The library itself was astonishing especially in juxtaposition to the chaos that surrounds it. I got very emotional about it as our guide explained all the beautiful goals about sharing knowledge with the world. The website and catalogue are freely available on the web. I can't wait to learn heiro glyphs for free! The winning architects are from Norway. Not sure if it's coincidental or not but the new Helsinki library is also quite astonishing. I went to a lookout restaurant and the food and service were very marginal. I wouldn't have high expectations for the restaurants there in general from my experience of one week in Cairo. Definitely take the tour if you can. It's free. And just really take in the beauty that we can create for a society.

It’s a huge and amazing library, it has millions of books, including very old books and maps, inside, there are also museums and different cultural spaces, it’s a great place to study or read, and they even provide computers for research, sometimes, they also organize events, exhibitions, and talks, (you will need to check online opening hours before your visit) which makes the library feel very lively and inspiring. For me, it represents the value of education and history. As we all know it was rebuilt on the ruins of the ancient Library of Alexandria during the Roman era.

🌟 Bibliotheca Alexandrina – A Modern Wonder Rooted in Ancient Wisdom ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was deeply inspiring. This isn’t just a library—it’s a symbol of Egypt’s ancient commitment to learning, reborn for the modern world. The architecture is absolutely stunning, with walls carved in over 100 scripts and a massive, light-filled reading room that takes your breath away. Inside, we explored multiple museums, galleries, a manuscript restoration lab, and even a planetarium—all within the same complex. The blend of ancient history and modern innovation is exceptional. Must-sees: 📚 The main reading hall 🌍 The Antiquities Museum 🪐 The Planetarium 🎨 The rotating art exhibitions It’s quiet, calming, and beautifully curated—perfect for slowing down and soaking in thousands of years of human knowledge. 📍 Tip: Plan for 2–3 hours minimum. Bring a guide or look up the layout beforehand—there’s so much more than just books! If you’re in Alexandria, this is an absolute must-visit. — Local Guide & Grateful Traveler

The place is well organised, and quite simple to go inside and use. The library has shelf space for eight million books. The complex also houses a conference center, libraries for maps, multimedia, the blind and visually impaired, young people, and for children. It also has four museums, four art galleries for temporary exhibitions, 15 permanent exhibitions, and a manuscript restoration laboratory.

Our recent family visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was a truly enriching and memorable experience, blending history, knowledge, and modern innovation in a remarkable way. Standing on the Mediterranean coast, the library’s striking circular architecture immediately impressed us, symbolizing the rising sun of knowledge and echoing the legacy of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Inside, we were amazed by the vast, open reading spaces and the calm, scholarly atmosphere. The Main Reading Hall, with its tiered design and natural lighting, created a sense of awe and reverence for learning. Each family member found something engaging—ranging from rare manuscripts and digital archives to interactive exhibits that made history come alive for younger visitors. The museums and exhibitions within the complex, particularly those focusing on ancient civilizations, science, and calligraphy, added great educational value to our visit. The planetarium show was another highlight, sparking curiosity and wonder across generations. What made the visit especially meaningful was how seamlessly the Bibliotheca Alexandrina connects the glory of the past with the promise of the future. It is not merely a library, but a vibrant cultural and intellectual hub that encourages dialogue, creativity, and lifelong learning. Overall, our family visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was inspiring and deeply satisfying. It left us with a renewed appreciation for the power of knowledge and the importance of preserving and sharing humanity’s intellectual heritage

A must-see in Alexandria. The library is impressive, with stunning modern architecture and several excellent museums inside. You can easily combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Greco-Roman Museum.