Attraction
National Museum of Ethiopia
Ethiopia's national collection, home to the Lucy and Selam hominid fossils plus royal regalia, Ethiopian art from traditional to modern, and ethnographic displays.
Adwa Victory Memorial Museum
Large memorial museum opened in 2024 at Piazza's zero-kilometre point, celebrating Ethiopia's 1896 victory over Italy at the Battle of Adwa.
At a glance
- Type
- History museum and memorial
- Area
- Piazza, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Official site
- adwamuseum.com
Good to know
- Plaza
- Fountain
- Statues
Why we recommend it
The Adwa Victory Memorial Museum is one of the newest major landmarks in Addis Ababa. Inaugurated on 11 February 2024 and opened to the public on 16 March 2024, it commemorates the Battle of Adwa in 1896, when Ethiopian forces under Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu defeated the invading Italian army. The victory secured Ethiopia's independence during the colonial scramble for Africa and remains a source of pride across the continent, so the scale of the memorial is deliberate.
The museum is part of the Adwa Zero Kilometre project in Piazza. It covers about 1.5 hectares, with eleven blocks spread over five floors, and is linked by a bridge to the Addis Ababa Mayor's Office. Four cardinal gates decorated with war motifs mark the entrances, each themed around the heroes who came from the north, south, east and west of the country to fight at Adwa. Architectural details borrow from the obelisks of Axum and the rock churches of Lalibela in the corridor supports and staircases.
Outside, statues of Menelik II and Taytu stand on the plaza beside a fountain. The museum drew more than 31,000 visitors in its first month, a sign of how much interest it holds for Ethiopians themselves. Interest peaks around the Adwa anniversary on 2 March, a national holiday.
Opening hours and ticket arrangements are best checked locally or on the museum's own website, adwamuseum.com, before you go. Inside, the interior walls are decorated to continue the themes of the gates, so take time over the corridors and staircases as well as the exhibition halls. Allow at least an hour and a half to explore the halls and the plaza. For background before you go, the Adwa hall at the Addis Ababa Museum on Meskel Square has weapons, uniforms and a painting of the battle.
The museum sits in the heart of Piazza, a short walk from St George's Cathedral, whose tabot was carried to Adwa, and from the historic Taitu Hotel founded by the empress herself. Together they make an obvious half-day route through the history of the battle and the early city.
Adwa Victory Memorial Museum FAQs
What does the museum commemorate?
The Battle of Adwa in 1896, when Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian army and preserved the country's independence.
When did it open?
It was inaugurated on 11 February 2024 and opened to the public on 16 March 2024.
Where is it?
In Piazza at the Adwa Zero Kilometre site, linked by a bridge to the Mayor's Office.
How big is it?
About 1.5 hectares, with eleven blocks over five floors.
Are there statues?
Yes. Statues of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu stand on the plaza beside a fountain.
How long should I allow?
About an hour and a half for the halls and plaza.
What is nearby?
St George's Cathedral and the Taitu Hotel are both a short walk away.