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.
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