National Museum of Ethiopia

Home to Lucy, the 3.2-million-year-old human ancestor skeleton, plus Ethiopian manuscripts, royal artifacts, and Emperor Haile Selassie's wooden throne.

Step inside the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa to come face-to-face with Lucy, the world's most famous early human ancestor. The four-floor museum contains prehistoric animal fossils, Emperor Haile Selassie's wooden throne, and striking artworks like Afewerk Tekle's "African Heritage" painting. You'll find ancient Ethiopian manuscripts dating back to the 14th century alongside contemporary oil paintings.

Meeting Lucy and Ancient Ancestors

In the basement, you'll find the museum's star attraction - Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis skeleton. Two reconstructions show Lucy's complete form: one lying down and another standing upright at her actual height of 1.1 meters. The paleontology section includes remains of extinct animals from Ethiopia's past, including a giant Notochoerus pig and teeth from the saber-toothed Homotherium cat.

Ethiopian Art Through the Ages

The first floor walks you through centuries of Ethiopian artistic expression. You'll see 14th-century religious manuscripts with detailed illuminations, Orthodox Christian paintings on wood and canvas, and contemporary works by Ethiopian artists. The massive "African Heritage" painting by Afewerk Tekle fills an entire wall, while other paintings depict historical scenes like King Solomon meeting the Queen of Sheba.

Cultural Life and Crafts

The second floor exhibits items from daily Ethiopian life across different regions. You'll see intricate silver jewelry from Tigray, woven baskets from the Gurage people, and musical instruments like the masenqo (single-stringed violin) and kebero drums used in Ethiopian Orthodox ceremonies.

Royal Treasures and Ancient Artifacts

The ground floor displays objects from Ethiopia's imperial past. Bronze oil lamps from the pre-1st century AD sit near 4th century BC stone chairs carved with ibex designs. Emperor Haile Selassie's ornate wooden throne stands in the center. Stone tablets with Sabaean script show early Ethiopian writing systems from the pre-Aksumite period.

Planning Your Visit

Find the museum near Addis Ababa University's graduate school on King George VI Street. Open daily 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Entrance costs 10 Birr per person. Each floor has clear signs in English and Amharic, making it easy to explore the collections in order.