# Inside the Archaeological Museum of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: A Journey Through Time
The **Archaeological Museum** located within the **Bibliotheca Alexandrina** stands as a remarkable cultural institution, showcasing the rich history of Alexandria from the Pharaonic era to modern times. This museum features a diverse collection of artifacts that reflect the ancient Egyptian civilization and its influence on various other cultures, making it an essential destination for visitors and researchers alike.
### Discovering 111 Unique Artifacts
The story of the museum began in **1993** when a significant discovery was made during excavation works for the construction of the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina. A total of **111 artifacts** were uncovered, dating back to the **Hellenistic**, **Roman**, and **Byzantine** periods. This remarkable find highlights the city’s rich and varied history. Among the most notable pieces are the **head of Alexander the Great**, along with a representation of **Caesarion**, the son of Cleopatra VII, and the **head of Queen Berenice II**, which is believed to be linked to Cleopatra herself.
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### A Testament to Cultural Identity
**Mona Dabbas**, the General Curator of the museum, emphasizes that this institution serves as a living testament to Egypt's cultural identity and its enduring heritage. She explains that the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history of Alexandria through a wide array of artifacts. The museum encompasses several sections, including items from the Pharaonic era, the Ptolemaic period, and the Roman era, as well as dedicated galleries for Coptic and Islamic art.
### Museum Design and Visitor Experience
The design of the museum allows for an interactive experience, enabling visitors to follow a thoughtfully curated path that aligns with contemporary geographical standards. This design facilitates the recognition of various cultural waves throughout different historical periods. The lighting, both natural and artificial, has been expertly arranged to enhance the visibility of artifacts, adding a new dimension to the visitor experience.
### Modern Techniques for Heritage Preservation
The museum employs modern technologies for documenting its artifacts, including **3D scanning** and **Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI)**. These advanced methods provide in-depth insights into the details of each piece, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Additionally, the museum continuously seeks to enhance its collections through various means that align with best practices for artifact conservation.
### Community Engagement
The museum is committed to engaging with the community, particularly with children, through a series of cultural and artistic activities. Workshops and events are organized to instill the value of heritage and its significance among the younger generation, encouraging them to partake in preserving their cultural identity.
### Innovative Experience for the Visually Impaired
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at inclusivity, the museum has introduced a new experience designed to assist visually impaired visitors in understanding the artifacts. **Sculptural panels** with tactile dimensions have been placed next to certain artifacts, enabling blind individuals to visualize their shapes and sizes. This initiative is a pioneering step in Egypt and represents a significant advancement toward making culture accessible to all segments of society.
### Featured Exhibits
Among the standout exhibits in the museum are the statue of **the god Thoth** depicted as an "Ibis," and the statue of **the god Horus** represented as a **Baboons**. The head of **Alexander the Great** occupies a central position in the Greek-Roman section, drawing significant attention from visitors. Additionally, the museum showcases the head of **Berenice II** and the head of **Caesarion**, further illustrating the city’s rich historical tapestry and attracting tourists from around the globe.
### Conclusion
The Archaeological Museum of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina serves as a beacon of culture and history, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Egypt's heritage for future generations. Thanks to the dedication of its curators and staff, the museum has become a central hub for learning and discovery, acting as a bridge between the past and the present. It not only celebrates the beauty of Egyptian civilization but also reinforces the cultural identity of Egypt in the modern world. Visitors leave the museum with a deeper appreciation for the intricate layers of history that define Alexandria and its significant role in the broader narrative of human civilization.
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