Bibliotheca Alexandrina exhibition opens at Erth Abu Dhabi this week
The 3-month long show celebrates Sheikh Zayed’s role in reviving ancient centre of knowledge
ABU DHABI: Erth is hosting People and the Library of Alexandria, an evocative exhibition by internationally renowned architecture and design group Snøhetta, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based creative studio Slash.
Launching this Friday, the show explores the story behind the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt – from concept to reality – while shedding light on the UAE’s pivotal involvement in bringing the legendary library back to life.
Open to the public by booking and running for three months, the exhibition charts the architectural and cultural evolution of the New Library, offering visitors an in-depth look at one of Egypt’s most ambitious modern-day cultural initiatives. The project is especially significant in the UAE, with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan playing a major philanthropic role in the revival of this historical institution.
Revival of a legend
The vision to revive the ancient Library of Alexandria began in 1988 as a joint initiative between UNESCO and the Egyptian government. The aim was to honour and reconstruct the world-famous library, once the greatest repository of knowledge in the classical world. In 1989, Snøhetta – then a little-known Norwegian firm – won the international UNESCO competition to design the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Backed by strong regional support, the initiative received a major boost when Sheikh Zayed made one of the largest financial contributions towards its development. His passion for education and literature translated into tangible support, enabling the project to move from idea to implementation. That support laid the foundation for the library’s opening in 2002, symbolising a cultural renaissance for the Arab world and reflecting a regional commitment to learning and intellectual exchange.
The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, located near the site of its ancient predecessor, is now among the world’s largest libraries and cultural spaces. Designed with approximately 6,000 square metres of hand-carved stone cladding, it houses over 5 million books. Beyond its role as a public research facility, it functions as a vibrant cultural centre – complete with museums, exhibition halls, educational institutions, and collaborative initiatives.
Human stories and design
People and the Library of Alexandria highlights the human side of this architectural marvel. Through archival photographs, personal interviews, and immersive storytelling, the exhibition captures the library’s impact on generations. It reveals not only the technical and design challenges involved but also the social and cultural significance that continues to ripple across communities.
The show offers visitors a glimpse into how the Bibliotheca functions as more than a building – it is a dynamic public space that welcomes nearly a million visitors annually and hosts around 1,500 events and programmes each year. Many of these are focused on engaging the youth, cementing the library’s status as an inclusive and future-facing institution.
Central to the exhibit is the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed’s vision, which helped transform an idea rooted in ancient history into a symbol of regional unity and shared human aspiration. The display underlines how architecture can foster collaboration across continents, bridging historical heritage with modern design.
Creative collaboration
The exhibition was first shown at Snøhetta’s Archive Gallery in Oslo. Its current iteration at Erth Abu Dhabi is made possible through Slash, a multidisciplinary creative studio that works at the intersection of design, culture, and community. Based in the capital, Slash is known for building experiences that invite deeper public engagement with identity, place, and cultural storytelling.
The exhibition is hosted at Erth, a luxury destination that merges Emirati heritage with contemporary hospitality. Known for its lush landscapes and event spaces, Erth regularly supports cultural and educational initiatives, making it a fitting venue for this celebration of knowledge and legacy.
People and the Library of Alexandria will run for three months. Admission is free through prior booking. The public is encouraged to explore this tribute to shared histories, regional cooperation, and the power of design to shape the future.