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.
Science Museum Addis Ababa
Circular science and technology museum opened in 2022 near Unity Park, with interactive exhibitions and a 200-seat dome theatre.
At a glance
- Type
- Science and technology museum
- Area
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Good to know
- Dome Theatre
- Interactive exhibits
Why we recommend it
The Science Museum in Addis Ababa, also known as the Ethiopia Museum of Art and Science, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on 4 October 2022. It forms part of the second phase of the China-aided Addis Ababa Riverside Development Project, the same programme that produced the city's new parks, and it is one of the most eye-catching pieces of modern architecture in the capital. Construction cost about 1.1 billion birr, roughly 21 million US dollars, which gives a sense of how much the government invested in it as a showcase. The main building is a ring about 9 metres high, nicknamed the ring of wisdom, and is easy to spot from the surrounding roads.
Inside, the museum focuses on technology and the future rather than natural history. Interactive displays cover subjects such as healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, geographic information systems, data analysis, manufacturing and robotics, and there is a dedicated science and technology exhibition hall. The exhibitions change over time, and the museum has hosted national and international showcases, so the content on any given visit can differ from earlier reports.
Beside the ring stands the Dome Theatre, a separate building around 24 metres high that seats up to 200 people and shows films in 3D. It is one of the more memorable parts of a visit for children and works well as a rest between rounds of the exhibition halls.
The museum suits families with school-age children, students and anyone interested in how Ethiopia presents its ambitions in technology. Allow one and a half to two hours, more if you catch a dome show. Opening hours and ticketing have changed since the museum opened, so check locally or ask your hotel before you go. Weekends and school holidays are busier, and weekday mornings are calmer.
The museum is on Niger Street, a short distance from Unity Park and Friendship Park, which were created under the same urban programme. A day here can combine the palace grounds and zoo, a lakeside walk and the science exhibitions. Meskel Square, with the Addis Ababa Museum and the cafes of the Hyatt Regency, is a short taxi ride away.
Science Museum Addis Ababa FAQs
When did the Science Museum open?
It was inaugurated on 4 October 2022.
What can I see inside?
Interactive exhibits on technology subjects such as robotics, healthcare, cybersecurity and data, plus a science and technology hall.
What is the Dome Theatre?
A separate 24-metre building that shows 3D films to audiences of up to 200 people.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The interactive displays and dome films suit school-age children well.
How long should I allow?
One and a half to two hours.
Where is it?
On Niger Street near Unity Park and Friendship Park.
What else is nearby?
Unity Park and Friendship Park, created under the same urban programme.