Plizio Visual Lab
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major cultural center and modern library in Alexandria, inaugurated in 2002 as a tribute to the legendary Great Library of Alexandria from antiquity. The striking building, designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, features a giant tilting sun disk shape that dominates the city's waterfront. Its exterior wall is made of grey Aswan granite engraved with characters from over 120 different world scripts and languages, symbolizing the universality of knowledge. Inside, the massive main reading room covers 20,000 square meters across eleven cascading levels, with shelf space for up to eight million books. The complex is more than just a library; it also houses four specialized museums, a planetarium, several art galleries, and research centers. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina serves as a global hub for learning and dialogue, bridging the gap between historical heritage and modern scientific research.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Natural History Museum · Planetarium Science Center · Elselela fort (military camp)
- Nearby: Al Hawamdeya (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 23 | 16 | 9 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 20 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern cultural center and library on the Mediterranean shore, open to the public. You can visit the exhibition halls, the main reading room, and the museum; guided tours are regularly offered.
Typical hours
The library is typically open daily, except for some holidays; operating hours are usually from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It is advisable to check current times on the official website, as they may vary seasonally.
Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the public areas of the library, but flash and tripod use may be restricted in the main reading hall. Special exhibitions or the museum may have separate rules.
Time needed
For a thorough visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, including the main exhibitions, you should allow about two hours. If you also want to see the museum and the planetarium dome, the visit can extend to three or four hours.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk along Alexandria's Corniche and a visit to the nearby Qaitbay Citadel. The ancient site of Kom el-Dikka is also not far away.
Getting there
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is located on the Mediterranean coast in central Alexandria and is reachable by taxi, bus, or on foot. Parking is available in the area, though often limited.
Insider tip
Visit the library in the late morning when the main reading hall is particularly flooded with impressive light. Allow enough time for the museum - it houses fascinating archaeological finds.
Geography
Facts
- The library was officially inaugurated on October 16, 2002.
- The building has eleven floors, four of which are below ground level.
- The main reading room can accommodate up to 2,000 users at once.
- The exterior façade is composed of 6,400 granite slabs from Aswan.
- It houses a mirror site of the Internet Archive (Wayback Machine).
- The diameter of the sun-disk-shaped roof is 160 meters.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bibliotheca Alexandrina (11)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How many books can it hold?
Space for up to 8 million books.
Are there museums there?
Yes, including archaeology and manuscripts.
Is talking allowed inside?
It must be quiet in the reading rooms.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, available in several languages.
Is entrance free for everyone?
No, tourists pay an entrance fee.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: where is it located?
Bibliotheca Alexandrina is located in Egypt.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: what is there to see?
Highlights include Natural History Museum, Planetarium Science Center, Elselela fort (military camp).
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: why is it worth visiting?
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major cultural center and modern library in Alexandria, inaugurated in 2002 as a tribute to the legendary Great Library of Alexandria from antiquity.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Egypt →
History & landmarks
Graeco-Roman Museum
A prominent museum in Alexandria showcasing artifacts from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods of Egyptian history.
Ras El Tin Palace
A historic royal palace on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria, one of the official residences of the President.
Stanley Bridge
A 400-meter-long bridge in Alexandria spanning the Mediterranean Sea, known for its elegant design and night lighting.
Borg El Arab Stadium
The largest stadium in Egypt and one of the largest in Africa, located near the Mediterranean resort city of Alexandria.
Montaza Palace
A grand palace and extensive gardens in the Montaza district of Alexandria, overlooking a beach on the Mediterranean Sea.
Nature
More places
🗺️
Alexandria Zoo
Popular zoo on the Mediterranean coast.
Alexandria Roman Amphitheatre
A well-preserved ancient Roman theater located in the heart of the modern city of Alexandria.
Citadel of Qaitbay
A 15th-century defensive fortress located on the Mediterranean sea coast in Alexandria.
Pompey's Pillar
A Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, the largest of its type constructed outside the imperial capitals.
🗺️
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
A historical archaeological site located in Alexandria and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
Port of Alexandria
Egypt's main seaport on the Mediterranean Sea.
Alexandria Petroleum Refinery
One of the largest petroleum refineries in Egypt.
🗺️
El-Dakheila Port
A natural extension of the Port of Alexandria with deep water.