The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a revival of the legendary ancient library
built in classical Greek times.

The rebuilding of the library has returned Alexandria to its former status as a centre for learning and exchange and provided the city with a landmark building.

The spirit of international cooperation in which the library was conceived, funded, designed and implemented has been maintained in its management to create an institution that is truly global in its outlook.

At the same time, the building is technically outstanding.

Alexandria is Egypt’s main port, forming a large industrial and commercial centre
and an important summer resort.

In 1974, the University of Alexandria began a campaign for the rebuilding
of the ancient library, choosing the current site, which is believed to be close
to the original location.

In 1988, Egypt’s President Mubarak took up the project at a national level and an
international competition, organized by the Egyptian government in collaboration
with the International Union of Architects, was won by the Norwegian
company Snøhetta in 1989.

Detailed archaeological excavations of the site were carried out before construction began in 1995, and the building opened in October 2002.

The library was designed as a tilting disc rising from the ground, with four levels below ground and seven above.

The scale of the building is thus minimized at close quarters, so it does not overwhelm the visitor.