On 16 October 2002, world leaders, eminent intellectuals and famous artists all shared in the celebration with Egypt and its President the rebirth of the Anciant library of Alexandria. The historic occasion was marked by the arrival of well-wishers from the four corners of the globe, and with music, art shows, exhibitions and festivities to rejoice in the renaissance of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The children of Alexandria epitomized this hopeful bridging of civilizations.

Egypt’s history and contemporary art where on display, as part of a two-week festival of exhibitions and concerts that showcased the diversity of the world’s cultures.

International scientific conferences and in-depth intellectual discussions marked the beginning of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina as a functioning institution of learning, and thousands of visitors brought the great reading area to life.
The ongoing programs of activities embody our commitments to excellence, diversity and openness to the other. From outreach to local children to distinguished international seminars; from associations of friends to scientific partnerships...the spirit of Alexandria is coming to life, in a city determined to reclaim its proud cosmopolitan tradition and regain its position as the Pearl of Mediterranean.

The New Library of Alexandria:
Where minds meet and borders disappear...
Mubarak’s gift to Egypt... and
Egypt’s gift to the world...

A commemorative photograph of H.E. President Hosni Mubarak and Mrs. Mubarak and their distinguished guests.

Front row (left to right): Mrs. Mesic and H.E. Mr. Stjepan Mesic, President of the Republic of Croatia; H.E. Mr. Ion Iliescu, President of Romania; Mrs. Chirac and H.E. Mr. Jacques Chirac, Former President of the Republic of France; President Hosni Mubarak and Mrs. Mubarak; H.M. Queen Sofia of Spain; H.M. Queen Rania Al AbdAllah, Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; H.E. Mr. Constantinos Stephanopoulos, President of the Hellenic Republic; Mrs Abdul Qayoom and H.E. Mr. Maumoon Abdul Qayoom, President of the Republic of the Maldives.

Back row (left to right): Dr. Omar Alzawawe, Sultanate of Oman; Dr. Ahmed Jalali, UNESCO Representative; H.H. Prince Karimuddin Agha Khan, President of Aga Khan Foundation for Development; H.E. Reverend Dr. Peter Hollingworth, former Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Mrs. Hollingworth; H.E. Mrs. Askar Akaeva, First Lady of Kyrghizstan; Mrs. Al-Hariri, Spouse of late Lebanese Prime Minister,
RafikAl-Hariri;H.R.H.Mete’ebIbnAbdulAziz, RepresentativeoftheCustodianoftheTwoHolyMosques;H.H. Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of H.R.H. Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, late President of the United Arab Emirates; Dr. Boutros Boutros Ghali, Secretary-General of the Francophone Organization and Mrs. Ghali; Dr. Abdul Aziz El-Dawry, Professor of History.