2025-07-17

This is not the Library you’re thinking of

As you consider visiting the seaside city of Alexandria, one bit of sightseeing might immediately grab your attention: The Library of Alexandria. Surely, this must be an essential sightseeing attraction for any trip to Egypt. After all, wasn’t it one of the wonders of the ancient world? A beacon that drew scholars, philosophers, and scientists from across the globe?

Well, yes. And no.

Let’s clear something up right away: contrary to what the name might suggest, this is not the Library of Alexandria, or certainly not the one you’re familiar with anyway. The Ancient Library of Alexandria is believed to have been lost between 250 and 270 A.D through fires, wars, and neglect.

Opened in 2002 and officially known as the “Bibliotheca Alexandrina”, the “New Library” is an impressive building nonetheless. It creatively blends Ancient Egyptian and Modern Architecture with its massive, tilted disc design and walls inscribed with scripts from hundreds of languages. You’ll find millions of books, multiple museums, art galleries, a planetarium, and a continuous effort to uphold the spirit of learning and discovery.

Is it alone worth the 2.5-hour drive to Alexandria?
That’s a tricky question to answer. I suppose it depends on how much you like libraries. But even if that’s not your thing, Alexandria still offers plenty to justify the trip. You can explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the towering Pompey’s Pillar, or soak in the Mediterranean views from the historic Qaitbay Citadel. And of course, no visit would be complete without indulging in a leisurely lunch of fresh local seafood.

We hope people embrace the modern site’s unique identity rather than referring to it simply as “The Library of Alexandria.” While that name evokes a rich history and sets high expectations, the contemporary location stands on its own, achieving remarkable successes and fostering a vibrant cultural exchange.