Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Library and cultural center in Alexandria, Egypt
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a circular building and serves as a national library and cultural center in the coastal city of Alexandria. The sloping roof surface made of glass and aluminum tilts northward and allows natural light to flood the interior.
The institution opened in 2002 and consciously links to the legendary ancient library that was founded more than two millennia ago. The new building resulted from an international competition won by a Norwegian architecture firm.
The name recalls the glory of the ancient library and aims to restore Alexandria as a center of learning. Visitors today experience an open reading culture where students and researchers work side by side and regular exhibitions and lectures take place.
The main reading hall extends over several levels that descend in terraces and offer space for readers and millions of books. Those who wish to visit the rooms should check access rules beforehand, as some areas require registration.
The outer walls carry thousands of hand-carved characters from over a hundred writing systems throughout world history. These inscriptions form a large-scale artwork that unites languages from all continents and eras.
Location: Alexandria
Inception: October 16, 2002
Architects: Snøhetta
Architectural style: expressionist architecture
Address: Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi
Website: https://bibalex.org/en
GPS coordinates: 31.20889,29.90917
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:04
Postmodern architecture emerged in the 1970s as a response to the rigid principles of modernism, reintroducing color, ornament, and historical references into contemporary building design. The movement evolved over decades, producing structures that challenge conventional forms and experiment with different materials and surfaces. These buildings demonstrate varied approaches to design, from playful facades to complex geometric constructions, showing how architects employ new technologies while engaging with historical stylistic elements. The collection includes cultural institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Casa da Música in Porto, public buildings like Seattle Central Library and Almere City Hall, and religious structures such as the Jubilee Church in Rome. Other examples include the SIS Building in London, Dancing House in Prague, and Niterói Contemporary Art Museum in Rio de Janeiro. The Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus show different interpretations of postmodern principles. The Piazza d'Italia in New Orleans with its colored colonnades and the Portland Building with its decorated facade represent early postmodern works in the United States.
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