Addis Ababa Museum | መስቀል አደባባይ — Attraction in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa museum in Meskel Square is a quiet, small museum located just behind the Red Terror Martyrs Memorial museum. This museum has two entrances, one through the Meskel Square area where you have to pay 20 Ethiopian birr to enter the square itself and then 20 more birr to enter the museum (1 united states dollars ~ 100 Ethiopian birr). The other entrance is near the Red Terror Martyrs Memorial museum where you do not have to pay the 20 Ethiopian birr fee to enter the Meskel Square area (but I highly recommend entering this area because it has lots and lots of activities and food cars).

The museum itself is small with rooms where they display actual royal clothes and artifacts with explanations to everything you see. You'll also get to know much of the history of the city of Addis Ababa (lit; the new flower).

After the rooms of the clothes you get to see photos and weapons (guns, sords and shields) used by the Ethiopian army to defend the city against the Italian colonial army. Also you get to contemplate various coin collections and beautiful artifacts.

After completing the inner rooms of the museum, never forget to check out the art gallery upstairs where they host beautiful paintings and sculptures, some of them for sale. There's also another room just above the museum's rooms where they display many paintings given to the museum.

The place has a nice green area in front of the entrance and a very fancy restaurant outside. I'd pay the 20 birr for this area by itself cause it's very green and looks right above Meskel Square.

I'd also pay the 20 birr to experience the Meskel Square area and the various entertaining activities there, especially the...

Addis Ababa Museum is a cultural treasure that captures the spirit and history of Ethiopia’s capital city. Located in the heart of Addis, the museum is housed in a charming old building and offers visitors a glimpse into the growth, culture, and heritage of the city since its founding in the late 19th century.

The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged, showcasing photographs, artifacts, traditional costumes, and historical documents that tell the story of Addis Ababa’s transformation over the decades. Visitors can learn about the city’s political, social, and cultural milestones, as well as its role as the diplomatic capital of Africa.

One of the museum’s strengths is its accessibility—it’s small enough to explore in a short visit but rich enough to leave a lasting impression. The staff are friendly and often provide useful context about the displays, enhancing the learning experience.

The museum’s garden and surrounding area add to its charm, making it not just a historical stop but also a peaceful spot to take in the city’s atmosphere.

Overall, Addis Ababa Museum is a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the roots and development of Ethiopia’s capital. It’s an intimate yet informative cultural stop that gives both locals and tourists a deeper appreciation...

Mostly based on photographs and some old dressing items, this museum explains the history of Addis Ababa. The panels are self explanatory and guide you from the first establishments to the present times. Very useful for those who love history as well as for those who want to know and understand the city better. For the rest of the people (not history lovers or even kids) a bunch of old clothing, some guns and lots of black and white photos might be a little boring, and while I was fully entertained, I say it because saw the faces of a family with kids while in there (they were all rushing to the door due to the pressure from the youngsters). Entrance prices (as of Sept. 2017) were 10 birr for locals and 50 birr...