Museums, I love museums.

National Museum of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

1.  Ethiopian National History Museum (Between Arat Kilo Avenue and the University of Addis Ababa Graduate School). 

 
Although the museum is unknown to most, the Ethiopian National Museum is a world-class museum; truly a hidden gem! The most famous exhibit is the replica of Lucy, an early hominid, but the museum offers much more. With Ethiopian civilization being one of the oldest in the world, the artifacts within the museum span thousands of years, including some from its earliest days. A wide variety of artifacts are featured, from sculptures to clothing to artwork. Both traditional and modern art are featured.

  2.      St George's Cathedral (North end of Churchill Road). 

An Orthodox cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia noted for its distinctive octagonal  form.  It is located at the northern end of Churchill Road in the city.  Designed by Sebastiano Castagna built by Italian prisoners of war defeated at Adwa in 1896, it was named after St. George, after the Tabot (Ark) of the church was carried to the Battle of Adwa against the Italians during which the Ethiopians secured victory. The building was described in 1938 in an Italian tourist publication as a fine example of the European interpretation of Ethiopian church design. The Italian Fascist authorities set the building on fire during the war in 1937. The cathedral was later restored by the Emperor following the liberation in 1941. 

Empress Zewditu of Ethiopia was crowned at this Cathedral in 1917, and Emperor Haile Selassie was crowned there in 1930, and it became a pilgrimage site for Rastafarians. The Cathedral has a museum, and an Imperial throne is on display as is the stained glass works of artist Afewerk Tekle Given the reason why the cathedral was named, it displays weaponry used in the wars against the Italians including curved swords and tridents and giant helmets made from the manes of lions.
 
3.      Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum (On Bole Rd very near Meskel Square).

The Ethiopian Red Terror, or Qey Shibir Martyrs Memorial Museum portray the violent political campaign in Ethiopia that most visibly took place once Communist Mengistu Haile Mariam achieved control of the Derg, the military junta, 3 February 1977.  

Thousands of men and women were rounded up and executed. Amnesty International estimates that the death toll could be as high as 500,000. Groups of people were herded into churches that were then burned down, and women were subjected to systematic rape by soldiers.  The Save the Children Fund reported that the victims of the Red Terror included not only adults, but 1,000 or more children, mostly aged between eleven and thirteen, whose corpses were left in the streets of Addis Ababa.
 
4.     Menelik's old Imperial Palace (Not open to visitors).

When emperor Menelik II moved his capital from mount Entoto to Addis Ababa, he built the Imperial palace as his main residence in 1886. Emperor Haile Selassie moved later to the Guenete Leul Palace. But the Imperial palace remained the official seat of the emperor till his fall in 1974. After his fall, emperor Haile Selassie was imprisoned in one of the buildings of the palace and later killed here. He was buried secretly within the palace grounds. Based on some reports a latrine was built on his grave. After the fall of communism, the emperor was reburied in 2000. The palace has remained to be the seat of government. Nowadays, the complex holds the residence of the prime minister and it is not opened to visitors.
The palace ground contains different churches. The most important is the Ta'eka Negest (Resting Place of Kings) Ba'eta Le Mariam Monastery. It has a large Imperial crown at at top of the dome. The church serves as a mausoleum for emperor Menelik II, his wife Empress Taitu, and Empress Zewditu, his daughter and eventual successor. Other churches within the grounds are the Se'el Bet Kidane Meheret Church (Our Lady Covenant of Mercy) and the Debre Mengist St. Gabriel Church.
 
5.      Ethiopian Ethnological Museum aka The Institute of Ethiopian Studies Museum. (Addis Ababa University).
 
Set within Haile Selassie's former palace and surrounded by Addis Ababa University's beautiful gardens and fountains is the enthralling Ethnological Museum. It is a fascinating museum with exhibits relating to the history and rich cultures of Ethiopia. There are many displays of the various ethnic groups found in Ethiopia with information about each of their lifestyles. A large amount of ethnic outfits, instruments, tools, and other artifacts accompany each ethnic exhibit, making it one of the most interesting museums in the city! 
 
6.     Addis Ababa Museum (Southern side of Meskel Square on the road to Bole International Airport) 

Established in 1986 the Addis Ababa Museum is located on the southern side of Meskel Square on the road to Bole International Airport. Its establishment was related to the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the foundation of Addis Ababa as a capital city.  While the National Museum houses artifacts from all over Ethiopia, this museum focuses solely on artifacts and exhibits from Addis Ababa. The building itself was once a palace where Ras Biru Habte-Gabriel, a former Minister of War during the reign of Menelik II, resided.  It is primarily a photographic museum depicting the historical, political, economic and social progress of the Addis Ababa since its foundation. Unique photographs, artifacts and works of prominent artists are on display.
  
7.      National Postal Museum (Next to the Main Post Office on Churchill Road) 

National Postal Museum is a small but good collection of Ethiopian stamps. The Museum is a museum in the city that tells the story of the city and its ancient rulers.
This museum has a collection of stamps used since the turn of the 19th century. The museum also facilitates philatelic literature for readers along with catalogues to offer vital information to visitors.
 
 
8.     Holy Trinity Cathedral.

It was once the largest Ethiopian Orthodox Cathedral. It was built to commemorate the country's liberation from the Italians, and many victims killed by the Italians during occupation are buried here. The locals call the church *Haile Selassie Church, because Emperor Haile Selassie's body was moved here in 2000
The former Museum was in the down stairs chambers of the cathedral which was not convenient for visitors. The eccliastical articles are now transferred to the newly built standard Museum denoted by Ato Kebede Tekalign a devoted follower of the Ethiopian Orthodox church. Inaugurated by his holiness Abune paulos; patriarch of the Ethiopian orthodox, Archbishop of Axum, President of the council of churches and Honorary President of world religions for peace.  The Museum houses a lot of historical and eccliastical heritages.  The relics are the contributions of Emperors, Empresses, individual, sister churches and Church fathers.  The heritages have kept their origin for many years against the wears and tears of time.  The elements from which the relics made are from Gold, Silver Brace and so on.  There are also others which are Gold and Silver plated.  In addition, there are many religious books written by scribes and church scholars.  Amongst the Books, one can see the amazing Books of Yared about church song compositions composed in the 5th century.  Thus, it creates a conducive environment to experience the religious and historical heritage of Ethiopia.
 
 
9.   The Zoological National History Museum (Arat Kilo Science Faculty campus of the Addis Ababa University).

The Arat Kilo Science Faculty campus of the Addis Ababa University has a sizable proportion of taxidermies that represent the wildlife resources of the country. The treasury of the cultural heritage in most cases comprises of endemic wildlife and bird species of Ethiopia.
 
  
10.    The Entoto Mount and Museum (Entot)

This museum accommodates the ceremonial attires of Menelik II and his consort Empress Taitu.  In addition, the emperor's crown and Persian carpets are among the few displayed items. The drum that announced the march to Adawa battle against the Italian invaders and the bed Emperor MenelikII used before he came to Addis Ababa are among the collections of the Museum.
 
Addis Ababa is built in the foothills of Mount Entoto, and the panorama from the peak (3200m), either by day or night, is a breathtaking spectacle. The church of St Mary (1885) overlooks the entire city and the surrounding area.
At the top of the rising slope of Entoto mountain range is the site where Menelik II established his capital.  The fresh and cool air, the exuberant flora and the pungent aroma of the eucalyptus trees alongside the road make the trip delightful. Further excitement is waiting in Entoto Museum. The Entoto Museum, with its historical exhibits is well worth a visit. which contains articles of great quality and historical significance. The drum that announced the march of Adwa against the Italian invasion, the bed Menelik II used while in Ankober, a crown and a Persian carpet are just a few of the many exhibits depicting Entoto’s glorious past.  The panoramic view of the city and the surrounding areas, the beautiful architectural style of Archangel Raguel and St. Mary churches, and a visit to Menelik’s old palace add to an experience the visitor will cherish.