When it comes to making myths, Alexander the Great’s story has it all.
He built an empire that stretched across the world. Rode across the sky on a flying chariot. And descended to the bottom of the sea in a glass bell.
Or did he?
Piece together an epic tale 2,000 years in the telling. From astrological clay tablets, ancient papyri, and medieval manuscripts, to Hollywood and Bollywood movies and cutting-edge videogames, our major exhibition crosses continents to explore the fantastical stories that turned legacy into legend.
Pharaoh, prophet, philosopher. European, Middle Eastern and Asian cultures have all moulded Alexander into the fictional hero they want him to be. And today artists and storytellers alike are still trying to reimagine the man and his myth. Who was he really? You’ll have to decide for yourself.
Supported by Patricia G. and Jonathan S. England – British Library Innovation Fund
With thanks to the American Trust for the British Library, The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, The Hellenic Foundation, London, and Professor James H. Marrow and Dr. Emily Rose.
Ticket prices and concessions
Book your ticket in advance and save £2 (discount included in the prices below).
| On the door | Advance booking | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Wed* | Thu–Sun | Mon–Wed* | Thu–Sun | |
| Full price | £19 | £19 | £17 | £17 |
| Member | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Senior (60+) | £9.50 | £19 | £8.50 | £17 |
| Student | £8.50 | £17 | £7.50 | £15 |
| Young person (18-25) | £8.50 | £17 | £7.50 | £15 |
| Registered unemployed | £8.50 | £17 | £7.50 | £15 |
| Disabled | £9.50 | £9.50 | £7.50 | £7.50 |
| National Art Pass | £9.50 | £9.50 | £9.50 | £9.50 |
| National Art Pass senior | £8.50 | £8.50 | £8.50 | £8.50 |
| Child (0-11) | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Child (12-17) | £9.50 | £9.50 | £7.50 | £7.50 |
*Excludes bank holidays and school holidays.
Please note you may be asked for proof of concession on arrival.
Pre-booking your visit helps us manage our capacity and offer the best possible visitor experience by keeping you updated with information before your visit. We want as many people as possible to have the chance to see our exhibitions so, like many other museums and galleries, we’re offering discounts to those more able to visit outside of our most in-demand days, helping to increase our capacity during our busiest periods for those who can’t.
Free carer tickets are available by contacting the Box Office on 01937 546546.
We’re continuing to follow government guidance to keep everyone safe. Find out how we’re welcoming you to the Library safely.
Image: © Museum of Classical Archaeology, Cambridge © Hamish Steele, © Richard Stoneman
Details
| Name: | Alexander the Great: The Making of a Myth |
|---|---|
| Where: |
PACCAR 1 The British Library 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB Show Map How to get to the Library |
| When: |
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| Price: |
Full Price: £17.00 Member: £17.00 Student: £15.00 Registered Unemployed: £15.00 Disabled: £8.50 National Art Pass Senior: £8.50 Child (0-11) : £0.00 Child (12-17): £8.50 National Art Pass: £9.50 Senior (60+): £17.00 Young Person (18-25): £15.00 A voluntary donation can be added over the regular ticket price. You will be helping the Library to conserve and share its collection. If you are a UK tax-payer and ‘Gift Aid’ your donation, the Library can reclaim the tax you have paid. |
| Enquiries: | +44 (0)1937 546546 boxoffice@bl.uk |
| Book now |