Thing to do
Merkato
Huge open-air market west of Piazza, often called Africa's largest, with sections for coffee, spices, grain, clothing, household goods and recycled metal.
Zoma Museum
Artist-founded museum and garden in Mekanisa built from mud and straw, combining contemporary Ethiopian art, an organic garden, a cafe and a restaurant.
At a glance
- Type
- Contemporary art centre and garden
- Area
- Mekanisa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Official site
- zomamuseum.org
Good to know
- Gardens
- Cafe
- Restaurant
- Artist residency
Why we recommend it
Zoma Museum is one of the most original cultural spaces in Addis Ababa, and it feels very different from the city's state museums. It was founded by the artist Elias Sime and the curator Meskerem Assegued, who first presented the concept in 2002 and began building the same year. Formerly known as the Zoma Contemporary Art Center, it combines an artist residency, exhibition spaces and gardens, and has played an influential part in Ethiopia's contemporary art scene by helping local artists reach international audiences.
The buildings are the first thing you notice. Elias Sime built the Addis Ababa house from mud and straw over about seven years, using traditional earth construction in a decorative, sculptural way, so the walls themselves are part of the art. Visitors can learn about traditional mud house-building on site and see how the technique has been adapted. There is a showroom and studio space for visiting artists, and exhibitions change through the year.
The gardens are the other half of the experience. Zoma places a strong emphasis on the environment, and the grounds show local plants in a calm, green setting that is a relief after the traffic of the city's main roads. The Zoma School, linked to the project, follows the edible schoolyard model inspired by Alice Waters, with an organic garden and gardening and kitchen classes built into the curriculum. A cafe and a restaurant on site make it easy to stay for lunch.
The museum suits travellers interested in art, architecture and design, and families who want somewhere relaxed and green. Allow two hours to see the exhibitions and gardens and to eat. Published listings give opening hours of Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:30, closed on Mondays, but confirm before you go as programmes vary. Ask before photographing artworks or people.
Zoma is in the Mekanisa area, so it is best reached by taxi or ride-hailing car and combined with a separate day of central sights. If you enjoy it, look out for Elias Sime's work elsewhere: he has exhibited internationally, including the solo show Eye of the Needle, Eye of the Heart at the Santa Monica Museum of Art in 2009.
Zoma Museum FAQs
Who founded Zoma Museum?
The artist Elias Sime and the curator Meskerem Assegued, who began building it in 2002.
What is special about the building?
It was built by hand from mud and straw over about seven years, using traditional earth construction as a decorative art form.
What can I see?
Contemporary art exhibitions, an artist studio, gardens of local plants and displays on traditional mud house-building.
Is there food?
Yes. There is a cafe and a restaurant on site.
When is it open?
Published listings give Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:30, closed on Mondays. Confirm before you go.
How long should I allow?
About two hours including lunch.
Where is it?
In the Mekanisa area. A taxi or ride-hailing car is the easiest way there.