Rebuilding Hadrian's Library in 3D

Image: Initial phase of rebuilding Hadrian's Library based on historical data.

Today, Hadrian's Library is mostly foundations and scattered architectural elements. You can recognise the layout, but it is difficult to grasp what the space actually was. In the 2nd century AD, this was a large, enclosed complex built by Emperor Hadrian, combining a courtyard, colonnades, and spaces for study and gathering. We are rebuilding Hadrian's Library in the way Hadrian himself would have seen it.

Our reconstruction focuses on the central courtyard. The surrounding colonnades, the long pool, and the overall structure are being rebuilt based on archaeological evidence. At the same time, we are adding the human layer that makes the space understandable: scholars, visitors, and the presence of Hadrian himself.

This is also a place where Roman and Greek worlds meet. Hadrian was a Roman emperor, but deeply engaged with Greek culture. That combination is reflected in both the architecture and the activity within the space.

The scene is still in development, but the structure is now clearly taking shape.

This and other TimeSpots in Athens we develop in collaboration with Dimitris Tsalkanis. His models were built with help of Chrysanthos Kanellopoulos, professor of Archaeology at the University of Athens. So big thank you to both of them for their work!

More about our progress on rebuilding Hadrian's Library soon.

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