The story of one of the world’s most iconic libraries will be brought to life in an upcoming exhibition, opening in Abu Dhabi on May 16, 2025. People and the Library of Alexandria is being organised by Erth in partnership with Snøhetta and the Abu Dhabi-based studio Slash.
The exhibition focuses on the life and legacy of the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt, while also highlighting its historic connection to the UAE. First launched at Snøhetta’s Archive Gallery in Oslo, the show is now coming to Abu Dhabi for a three-month run.
The idea for the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina had emerged in 1988, when UNESCO and the Egyptian government joined hands to restore the spirit of the ancient Library of Alexandria. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, had played a key role in this process. Motivated by his commitment to education and culture, he had made one of the biggest financial contributions to the project. His support had been central to moving the project forward, leading to its completion in 2002.
In 1989, Snøhetta, then a young, little-known architecture practice, won the international competition held by UNESCO to design the new library. The result was a uniquely tilted, modern cultural landmark, located near the original site of the ancient library, with nearly 6,000 square meters of hand-carved stone cladding and a collection of over five million books.
More than just a library, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina functions as a cultural and educational center. It houses museums, exhibition spaces, learning hubs, and regularly hosts over 1,500 events each year. Close to a million visitors, many of them young people, engage with its programs annually.
The exhibition in Abu Dhabi is free to attend with prior booking. It traces the architectural and social journey of the library, from concept to construction, and shines a light on Sheikh Zayed’s role in making it possible. His vision for cultural exchange and shared knowledge brought global attention to the project and encouraged international support.
People and the Library of Alexandria also tells the story through the voices of those who live with and around the library today. Archival images, interviews, and personal stories show how the building continues to impact lives, not just through its design, but through the experiences it holds.
Erth, the venue for the exhibition, is a luxury hospitality and leisure destination in Abu Dhabi that regularly supports meaningful cultural experiences. Snøhetta, the firm behind the library’s design and this exhibition, is known for its cross-disciplinary approach that brings together architecture, landscape, product design, interiors, and art. Slash, an Abu Dhabi-based design studio founded in 1995, has also played a key role in shaping the exhibition.
Together, they have created an exhibition that not only explores a significant architectural project but also reflects the human stories, values, and international partnerships that brought it to life.
People and the Library of Alexandria will be on view at Erth, Abu Dhabi, starting May 16, 2025, and will run for three months. Entry is free, with booking required in advance.
