NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ETHIOPIA

The National Museum of Ethiopia which is located in Arada Kifle Ketema, adjacent to the Faculty of Technology of the Addis Ababa University and St. Mary’s church. It was established in April (Miazzia) 1936 (Eth Cal) ‘ upon the idea of preserving the nation’s movable heritage, conduct research and education and assist to pass such heritage to future generations’.

This Government run museum is the oldest and one of the better organised museums in the country with a collection of over 170,000 various items including various secular/religious manuscripts, icons, ceremonial items, paintings, gold, silver embroidered robes , umbrellas , crosses and books. The National Museum is home to the famous ‘Dinknesh’ or as popularly known ‘Lucy’ i.e the three million years old human ancestor.

The museum acquired its collections from donations by various benefactors, purchase, through loan, archaeological finds and through inheritance. Some items date from the early centuries. Collections are well kept and displayed in reasonable good showcases for easy view by visitors.

High level research work is also done in the museum including paleontlogical research undertaken by different external universities and experts. A conservation laboratory is currently under construction where research work on a bigger scale can be undertaken and also become a regional base for training for conservationists.

The museum is open for visitors Monday to Sunday, except for public holidays, from 8:30-5:00pm,. Explainers are available at all times to guide and explain about the collections. Entrance fees are set at reasonable prices to attract as many visitors as possible. Postcards and some books are sold for visitors.