Here, every detail tells a story—whether it’s the art on the walls, the food on the plate, or the books on our shelves. Our collection of 150 books wasn’t chosen just to fill space. It was a deliberate decision, rooted in our belief that cultural exchange goes beyond conversation. It’s in what we read and how we absorb the world around us.

Over 120 of these books are translations of classic fiction from around the world. These are whole lives written in languages most of us don’t speak, offering stories from places that may feel distant or unfamiliar. They are voices that draw us into deeper cultural waters, reminding us that the world is vast and complex—and that is what makes it beautiful.

We live in a world where so much is lost in translation—nuance, context, entire ways of thinking. Yet, through these translations, we get glimpses of experiences beyond our own, of histories and stories that would otherwise remain foreign. These written experiences are not just stories; they are bridges. They offer perspectives on humanity, belonging, love, and struggle, shaped by different cultural lenses. And that’s the essence of Heliopolis.