About Bibliotheca Alexandrina

A magical 11-story library on the bank of the River Nile? You heard it right, heaven for every book lover is at the Bibliotheca Alexandria, Egypt. Completed in 2001, this library can house up to nearly 8 million books. For those of you whom this isn't a feat enough in itself, the complex also houses several micro-museums, a planetarium, an Informatics school as well as a conservatory. This site also commemorates the original ancient Library of Alexandria, which was a center of knowledge during the Ptolemaic Dynasty, by being located just 200 meters away from the original one. For data nerds, this place is also the only external mirror of the Internet Archive. There is also a manuscript section that displays some rare and ancient texts as well.

The original Library of Alexandria was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient times. After it was destroyed in a massive fire in 48 BC, the library was rebuilt later and is now one of the biggest and best in the world. The new library, Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened in 2002, and this impressive modern architecture does justice to the brilliance of the original center of learning. It is the most popular tourist spot in the city and a major cultural venue. The library houses a collection of brilliant museums and has books on every subject you could think of under the sun. The huge collection of books and manuscripts are extremely impressive. Bibliotheca Alexandrina is also a stage for many famous international performers and entertainers. The library hosts incredible exhibitions that showcase the rich heritage and culture of Egypt. The building is massive and you would need a lot of time to explore every bit of it. There are guided tours available to make things easier. Kids below 6 are not allowed inside the main reading room, but helpfully, daycare service is available during working hours. There are also numerous distractions to keep children busy. Spend an eventful day at one of the world's biggest libraries and get to read and explore a lot of great things here.

Must See

  • The impressive modern architecture of the building
  • The main reading room
  • Children's library for ages six to 11; youth library for ages 11 to 17; multimedia library; the library for the blind
  • Antiquities Museum
  • Manuscript Museum
  • Impressions of Alexandria Exhibition
  • The World of Shadi Abdel Salam 
  • The Planetarium
  • The Exploratorium
  • Alexandria's National Museum 
  • Fort Qaitbey.
  • Corniche. 
  • Kom el-Dikka. 
  • Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa. 
  • Pompey's Pillar. 
  • Montazah Gardens.
  • History of Science Museum

How to reach

Bibliotheca Alexandrina is 9.2 km from the city center. The easiest way to get there is by taxi. It will cost you from EG£ 17 to EG£ 21.

Tips

  • The building complements its architecture style structure 
  • This library has some collection huge collection of ancient scrolls and papyrus
  • There are free tours in different languages.
  • Make sure you have cash with you as a card is not accepted
  • There's a small coffee shop inside
  • No parking area for private cars.
  • Visitors are not allowed to bring food, eat, sleep, or smoke in the Library.
  • All public areas are wheelchair-accessible. 
  • The Reading Area is equipped with elevators and ramps at each level in order to facilitate movement for the disabled.
  • Wheelchairs are available at the Visits Reception Desk. 
  • Admission to the Taha Hussein Library for the visually impaired is free.
  • Tours of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina run every 45 minutes in English between 11.45 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and on Saturdays from 12.10 to 3.00 p.m.
  • An exclusive ticket for Planetarium shows, the Science Museum and ALEXploratorium can be purchased at the entrance of the Planetarium.
  • Entry for children under the age of 16 years is prohibited.
  • You will need to spend a lot of time to see every bit of the library. So be prepared and bring everything you need.
  • Keep cash handy as you may not find ATMs nearby.
  • Children under the age of six are not admitted to the library room.
  • Daycare service is available in the building during working hours.
  • All bags must be checked before entry though you can bring your camera and wallet inside. 
  • Two of the museums inside have individual entrance tickets and can be purchased within the building, next to the museums themselves.
  • Guided tours are available all day. You can check the timings at the information counter or from the library's website.
  • No food is allowed in there.

Visit Time

Sunday:            10:00 am.to 7:00 pm.

Monday:          10:00 am.to 7:00 pm

Tuesday:          10:00 am.to 7:00 pm

Wednesday:     10:00 am.to 7:00 pm

Thursday:         10:00 am.to 7:00 pm

Friday:              12:00 pm.to 7:00 pm.

Saturday:          8:30 am. to  4:00 pm.

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina will be closed on Sunday, 30 June 2019 (Anniversary of June 30th Revolution)

Time Icon

Waiting Time

You may have to wait in queue for tickets and entry

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Egyptians 
Individuals EGP 5
University Students and Senior Citizens EGP 3
School students EGP 1

Non-Egyptians
Individuals EGP 70
University Students and Senior Citizens EGP 10

School Students 
EGP 5

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

3 to 5 hours

 

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Weather

Clear Sky 23.01°C

 

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