Alexandria – The Birth of a Cosmopolis
On 24 April 2026, Alexandria was celebrated as a timeless meeting point of cultures, knowledge, and history through a remarkable event hosted at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina – مكتبة الإسكندرية . Organized under the auspices of the Governorate of Alexandria, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Embassy of Greece in Cairo, and co-organised by key partners including the Hellenic Research Institute of the Alexandrian Civilization (HRIAC) , the celebration highlighted the city’s enduring legacy as a symbol of cosmopolitanism and intercultural dialogue.
The programme combined cultural and scientific elements, including a festive parade that added a vibrant touch to the day’s celebrations, alongside performances, lectures, and a rich cultural agenda.
A central highlight was the contribution of HRIAC, which played a key role in both the organization and scientific dimension of the event. The opening of the exhibition at the Antiquities Museum of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina showcased artifacts from over 20 years of excavations at Shallalat Gardens, including an early Hellenistic statue of Alexander the Great, offering visitors a powerful and tangible connection to the city’s origins and its rich historical legacy.
The event was further honoured by the presence of the Governor of Alexandria, H.E. Eng. Ayman Attia, the Ambassador of Greece in Cairo, H.E. Mr. Nikolaos Papageorgiou, and HRIAC Director, Calliope Limneos Papakosta, who contributed to the official proceedings and reinforced the importance of preserving Alexandria’s cultural heritage through research and collaboration.
This celebration not only revived the ancient commemoration of Alexandria’s founding, but also established a meaningful new tradition, one that continues to position the city as a living bridge between civilizations.
Twenty Years of Excavations at Shallalat Gardens (2006–2026)
The Hellenic Research Institute of the Alexandrian Civilization, in collaboration with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina – مكتبة الإسكندرية Antiquities Museum, is proud to present a landmark exhibition celebrating two decades of hashtagarchaeologicalresearch in Alexandria.
Over the past twenty years, systematic excavations at Shallalat Gardens have revealed significant new insights into the Ptolemaic hashtagRoyalQuarter of the ancient city founded by Alexander the Great. These discoveries shed light on the history, urban layout, and daily life of ancient Alexandria, enriching our understanding of one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world.
The exhibition showcases a remarkable selection of findings, including:
Architectural remains and stratigraphic evidence
Pottery, lamps, and coins
Everyday objects spanning the Hellenistic, Roman, and later periods
Through these artifacts, visitors are invited to explore the hidden archaeological layers beneath the modern city and to experience the richness and continuity of Alexandria’s heritage.
This exhibition is held in the framework of the official celebration “Alexandria: The Birth of a Cosmopolis”, organized with the participation of leading institutions and representatives, marking the founding of the historic city.
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to discover the results of long-term archaeological work and the ongoing effort to uncover and interpret Alexandria’s Hellenistic past.
