Palace Museum (National/Jubilee Palace of Ethiopia) — Attraction in Addis Ababa

Not good value for money for foreigners. It’s very rare I give less than 5 star review but we did not have a positive experience.

We arrived to be told the fee was 20$USD to enter the grounds or $50USD to enter the grounds and museum with a guide (there was no option to enter museum without a guide).

We said we would take the 20$USD option (40$USD for 2 people) but we didn’t have dollars, as we are in Ethiopia, and only had Birr. We were then told that they would charge us the fee in Birr using today’s foreign exchange rate and sent us to a small room off the side to deal with the “bank”. The women in the small room the told us it would be 13,514 Birr (approx 100$USD). We explained it is not correct and then she did a different calculation and it was still incorrect, then another man came and he tried and came up with 5600 Birr (approx 40$usd). We were less than impressed that there was not a set ticket price in Birr for foreigners which we had encountered in other locations.

Once we finally were able to pay, we then went through security and they asked me to remove everything including my eyeglasses and put through x-ray. I politely declined concerned my glasses could get scratched (and honestly what were they looking for to X-ray eyeglasses?!). They had a problem with my tiny bottle of hand sanitizer but agreed to let me keep it.

We then finally were in and walked through the car museum (10 mins), then past a small church, behind the main building to the “zoo”, (the cages were very small with concrete floors and the lion did not look in good shape, also there seemed to be a significant number of vultures hanging about AND we saw a guide banging on the tiny cage of the cheetah with her water bottle harassing the animal to get it to move - this is not ok), then we walked around the front of the main building, through the garden and out. If we hadn’t stopped to take some selfies and admire the vultures, we probably could have walked the grounds in approx 30mins.

Positive feedback? The bathrooms in the basement of the coffee shop were very clean and nice, and there were some cool cars in car room.

Considering Unity Park has a $20USD entrance fee and we spent nearly 4 hours in Unity Park (and we had a great time), the 15$USD entrance to Palace grounds for 30mins is not worth it unless your plan is to stay and enjoy the grounds (and vultures) with a good book and probably an expensive coffee.

Note: I hardly took any photos as the “zoo” was...

The National Palace (also known as the Jubilee Palace) in Addis Ababa is one of Ethiopia’s most significant and symbolic landmarks. Originally built in 1955 to commemorate Emperor Haile Selassie’s Silver Jubilee, the palace blends neoclassical architectural influences with subtle Ethiopian design motifs, reflecting the country’s rich royal heritage.

🕰 Historical Importance The palace grounds are steeped in history, from hosting imperial ceremonies to serving as the residence of successive Ethiopian heads of state. Today, while much of the interior remains off-limits to the public for security reasons, the complex stands as a living reminder of Ethiopia’s monarchical past and its journey through political change.

🏛 Architecture & Grounds From the moment you approach the main gates, the sheer grandeur of the building is striking. The well-manicured gardens, adorned with indigenous flora and fountains, offer a serene contrast to the bustling streets of Addis Ababa outside. Statues, historical plaques, and preserved vintage vehicles enrich the sense of time travel you get while exploring the grounds.

🎯 Visitor Experience Access is typically limited and often requires prior arrangement, but guided tours, when available, are informative and well-curated, covering Ethiopia’s imperial era, cultural traditions, and the palace’s evolving role in governance. The knowledgeable guides bring the setting to life with fascinating anecdotes about past leaders, state visits, and the symbolism in the palace’s décor.

✅ Highlights • Majestic façade and lush gardens • Deep historical significance tied to Ethiopian identity • Occasional exhibitions showcasing royal artifacts • Panoramic views over parts of Addis Ababa

⚠ Things to Note • Strict security protocols mean photography is often restricted. • Not all areas are open to the public year-round. • Best enjoyed with an official guided tour to fully appreciate the history.

⭐ Overall Impression The National Palace of Ethiopia is less a casual tourist stop and more a profound cultural experience. It’s a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of emperors and presidents, and to witness a chapter of Ethiopia’s story that still resonates in its modern identity. For history enthusiasts, it’s an...

Visiting the Ethiopian National Palace Museum was an incredible experience that combined history, culture, and modern Ethiopian identity in one place. The museum, located inside the newly opened Unity Park, offers a rare opportunity to explore the former residence of Ethiopian emperors and leaders.

The palace grounds are beautifully maintained, blending historical architecture with lush gardens and modern exhibitions. The museum showcases Ethiopia’s rich history through artifacts, royal garments, traditional art, and interactive displays that highlight the country’s diverse cultures and heritage. Walking through the different halls, I could sense the weight of Ethiopia’s political and cultural journey, from its imperial past to its modern-day transformation.

One of the highlights was seeing the royal throne room and the preserved living quarters, which provide an intimate look at how the monarchy once lived and governed. The guided tours were informative and well-structured, offering detailed explanations in both Amharic and English.

Beyond the museum, the Unity Park experience includes a zoo, botanical gardens, and exhibitions on Ethiopia’s ethnic diversity, making it a great place for families, students, and tourists alike.

Overall, the Ethiopian National Palace Museum is a must-visit destination in Addis Ababa. It’s not only a place of history but also a symbol of national pride, unity, and progress. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to understand Ethiopia’s past and present in a...