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).

*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.

Image: © Museum of Classical Archaeology, Cambridge © Hamish Steele, © Richard Stoneman, © 2017 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered or unregistered trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Accessibility

You can view and download a digital copy of the Alexander the Great large print guide (PDF).