The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is modern Alexandria's cultural centrepiece — a striking library built to echo the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria. For expats, it's more than a sight: it's a genuinely usable venue for exhibitions, talks, and quiet work by the sea.
What you're looking at
Opened in 2002 and designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, the building tilts toward the Mediterranean like a rising sun, its granite outer wall carved with scripts from around the world. Inside is a vast, light-filled main reading room, several specialised libraries, four museums (manuscripts, antiquities, and more), and a planetarium. It runs a busy year-round programme of exhibitions and events.
Visiting as a resident
It sits on the Corniche in the Shatby area, easy to reach by taxi, tram, or ride-hailing, and a short trip from Cairo on the fast train. Allow a couple of hours, more if there's an exhibition on. Combine it with Qaitbay Citadel and a seafront lunch.
Good to know
- Check the events programme — there's usually something on.
- Food isn't allowed inside; water is fine.
- It's a cool, comfortable place to spend part of a hot day.
- Alexandria is an easy weekend from Cairo by train.
Related
- Living in Egypt — the full expat guide
- Getting around in Egypt — trains and transport to Alexandria
- Qaitbay Citadel — the seafront fort nearby
- Alexandria National Museum — more of the city's history