Ethnological Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian studies, AAU

The Ethnological Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES) is located within the main Sidist Kilo campus of the Addis Ababa University (AAU) , and is one of the well organised museums in the country. It was established in 1955 (Eth Cal) ‘ upon the idea of preserving the nation’s heritage, conduct research and education as well as assist the teaching-learning process at the AAU’.

This specialised university affiliated museum has over 13,000 various items including secular/religious manuscripts, icons, ceremonial items, paintings, gold and silver embroidered robes, umbrellas , crosses and books in its collection. Some items date from the early Aksumite period.

The collection was acquired from donations by various benefactors, through purchase as well as through inheritance. Collections are well kept and displayed in good showcases for easy viewing by visitors and handled by trained conservationists.

Being a university affiliated museum, it undertakes various research projects related to heritage and museum studies. It is also supported by the Society of Friends of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (SOFIES).

The IES Museum is open Monday- Sunday all day for visitors, except for public holidays. Explainers are available at all times to guide and explain about collections. An entrance fee of 3:00 Birr for adults, 1 Birr for students and 20:00 Birr for visitors wishing to photograph/video collections are charged.