Alexandria is a major port city in Egypt.
Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria has a rich and diverse history. The multi-cultural history of the city is evident in the art and architecture that is evident throughout the city. Greek columns, Italian influences combine with Egyptian Art Deco. Within the city there are a number of art museums, from both ancient times through modern day art.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Based on the ancient Ptolemaic Library of Alexandria, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and houses a library and several museums. The basement is home to the Antiquities Museum, which displays artifacts from the Ptolemaic library that were found while constructing the new building. Visitors can expect to see Mamluk glass, Coptic icons, and a multitude of mosaics, just to name a few. The library is also home to the Manuscript Museum, which displays an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts. The Planetarium Center and the History of Science Museum are also part of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Graeco-Roman Museum
Founded in 1892, the Graeco-Roman Museum showcases art dating back to the third century b.c. There are quite a few mosaics in the collection, including a portrait of Bernice II, wife of Ptolemy III. Also found at the museum is the giant sculpture of the Apis Bull, who originally adorned a temple near Pompey's Pillar, as well as the Heads of Serapis. Serapis was a god unique to Alexandria and was created by Ptolemy Soter as a way to combine Greek and Egyptian religions, so that the people would have a common god to worship.
Mahmoud Said Museum
Mahmoud Said, an Egyptian royal who lived from 1897 - 1964, spent most of his life in public service as a judge. When he retired, he began to paint. His artwork is now on display at the museum that bears his name. He painted numerous scenes of Egypt, both of landscapes and people. His work is considered important because of the traditional Egyptian painting techniques used, as well as the subject matter itself. The museum is housed in the Italianate villa that was his home.
National Museum of Alexandria
This museum is housed in an Italian villa and was dedicated in 2003. It is home to more than 1,800 pieces of art and artifacts from the history of the region. See artwork that depicts everyday life during Hellenic times, as well as Coptic and Islamic collections. Included in the museum's offerings are pieces of art from the Mediterranean seabed that have been excavated and painstakingly preserved to be displayed. Much work has gone into this museum to make it as up to date as possible, and the museum uses modern restoration and preservation techniques.
