People and The Library of Alexandria

The exhibition explores the profound social impact of the Library of Alexandria through personal stories and highlights its role in fostering knowledge, curiosity, and community.

In 1989, Snøhetta - a young and unknown practice - won the international competition for the revival of the ancient Library of Alexandria in Egypt, reimagining the library for the modern era. The establishment of the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina in 2002 marked a renaissance of this ancient tradition, symbolizing a commitment to knowledge, education, and cultural exchange.

The project became fundamental for Snøhetta’s philosophy of social impact and for further development of the practice. It is also a symbol of global collaboration, with contributions from countless individuals and organizations shaping its legacy.

Today, Bibliotheca Alexandrina functions as both a public research library and a dynamic cultural complex, housing museums, exhibition spaces, educational centers, and more. It serves as a hub for learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange and hosts an average of 1500 programs, lectures and events, attracting around a million visitors a year, many from younger generations.

This exhibition, entitled People and The Library of Alexandria, is the first to be shown at the newly opened Archive Gallery, in conjunction with Snøhetta’s studio in Oslo. It explores the living legacy of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, focusing on how the design, usage, and social impact of the library are fundamentally rooted in human interaction and experience.

Through personal narratives and video interviews with people using or working at the library and those who have designed it, the exhibition reveals how the library has impacted the lives of individuals and communities alike, celebrating it as both a vibrant communal space and a beacon of knowledge. 

These stories reaffirm the library’s role as a sanctuary for learning and as a bridge between civilizations. The exhibition also includes a large handmade model, as well as a collection of photographs, artifacts, and historical documents from Snøhetta’s archives.

The exhibition will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10.00 and 14.00 and by appointment at Snøhetta's Archive Gallery at Skur 39 in Akershusstranda 21, Oslo.