National Museum of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa: Hours, Address, National Museum of Ethiopia Reviews: 4/5
National Museum of Ethiopia
National Museum of Ethiopia
4
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This museum’s greatest treasure is the partial skeleton of "Lucy," a tiny human believed to have lived over three million years ago.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
111 within 3 miles
Lucy Lounge & Restaurant
514
300 ft$$ - $$$ • African • Ethiopian • Vegetarian Friendly
Romina Restaurant & Bar
51
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Pizza • Ethiopian
Montmartre
13
431 ft$ • Italian • French • American
Tomoca
943
0.9 mi$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Addis Ababa Restaurant
68
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • African • Ethiopian • Vegetarian Friendly
Castelli Restaurant
483
0.7 mi$$$$ • Italian • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Koba Patisserie And Bakery
5
0.7 mi
Taitu Hotel Restaurant
5
0.7 miAfrican • Ethiopian
Taitu Hotel
1
0.7 miAfrican • Ethiopian
Tomoca Coffee
52
0.9 mi$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Attractions
33 within 6 miles
Holy Trinity Cathedral
625
0.6 miReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Ethnological Museum
580
0.7 miSpeciality Museums
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14
0.3 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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266
0.7 miChurches & Cathedrals
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163
0.3 miZoos
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39
0.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
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816
1.9 miSpeciality Museums
Addis Mercato
274
1.7 mi
Unity Park
49
0.9 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Mount Entoto
757
Mountains
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,708 reviews
Excellent
435
Very good
671
Average
491
Poor
98
Terrible
13
ricck
3 contributions
my second museum the I visited in Ethiopia, great place, had great guys and the entry is so cheap nice place
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JolantaM
Chicago, IL60 contributions
Ok, the museum could be better for sure (dark, somethings I couldn't read). But... it houses the history of all people. Yes, the Lucy and Ardi displays is a replicas, but it doesn't take away from the profound-ity of it all. We had one of the guides talk to us about the displays, his English was excellent and he was extremely knowledgeable. The other two floors are also nice. Definitely worth a visit.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Miles Archer
Boca Raton, FL7,314 contributions
Solo
I came here mainly to see Lucy's skeleton. It's 3.2 million years old. She was an Australopithicus afarensis. She was bipedal. She was not one of our ancestors.
Written February 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
semeon s
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia27 contributions
As i mentioned in my title I visit the museum 3rd time and It always amaze me the evolution and archaeological findings found in the basement. It is currently under renovation and I hope the renovation and new building will represent Ethiopian well as we have rich culture and amazing findings that the whole world should see. The entrance ticket is very cheap.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nurgul Myktybayeva
14 contributions
Solo
I went to museum because of Lucy🌷
So i could see the bpnes of early humans
Lucy was living 3.2mln years ago and died at age 18-25. Her bones was discovered in 1974 in Ethiopia
So i could see the bpnes of early humans
Lucy was living 3.2mln years ago and died at age 18-25. Her bones was discovered in 1974 in Ethiopia
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ADB
Washington DC, DC4 contributions
A very nice museum with lots of historical artifacts. The museum tour guides are fabulous and very knowledgeable. Educational and informative for all visitors.
Written June 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Olesya
Berlin, Germany28 contributions
Museum has three floors (actually four, but the first floor is empty now). And it isn't a big exposition.
Archeological and paleoanthropological sections on the ground floor are not bad. But it could be better with good lighting. Most visitors are interested in seeing Lucy. And yes, the museum has it, but no, you don't see the original Lucy fossils. Because the museum decided to display publicly the plaster replica instead of the original skeleton. It's okay, but they didn't mark the exhibit as a replica.
The second floor contains paintings of Ethiopian artists but in a chaotic way. Without any chronology and systematization. It's impossible to know about Ethiopian art.
The third floor is about traditional weapons, jewelry, clothing, and so on. But all exhibits are displayed without text explanations.
Ethiopia has a rich history. And I expected to know more about the history of this country. But, unfortunately, the National Museum of Ethiopia isn't a suitable place for it. But, at least, I don't regret about spent money. The entrance fee is only 10 birrs.
Archeological and paleoanthropological sections on the ground floor are not bad. But it could be better with good lighting. Most visitors are interested in seeing Lucy. And yes, the museum has it, but no, you don't see the original Lucy fossils. Because the museum decided to display publicly the plaster replica instead of the original skeleton. It's okay, but they didn't mark the exhibit as a replica.
The second floor contains paintings of Ethiopian artists but in a chaotic way. Without any chronology and systematization. It's impossible to know about Ethiopian art.
The third floor is about traditional weapons, jewelry, clothing, and so on. But all exhibits are displayed without text explanations.
Ethiopia has a rich history. And I expected to know more about the history of this country. But, unfortunately, the National Museum of Ethiopia isn't a suitable place for it. But, at least, I don't regret about spent money. The entrance fee is only 10 birrs.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
VGriet
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia149 contributions
Couples
The (dark) basement historical section is clearly the main attraction with Lucy being the most important sight. We found the exposition very interesting, but could use an upgrade.
The other floors aside from temporary art exposition do not have so much to offer.
I do mention card shop on top floor, for people that still like to send post cards like me 😊
The other floors aside from temporary art exposition do not have so much to offer.
I do mention card shop on top floor, for people that still like to send post cards like me 😊
Written April 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nikhil_malhotra
New Delhi, India234 contributions
Solo
The museum has very good exhibits but it is not maintained at all. With a little bit of investment, this can become a very good attraction to visit.
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Weak Knee Traveler
Singapore, Singapore11,767 contributions
Friends
If you are not expecting much then you won't be disappointed. There is nothing spectacular about this museum. Visit only if you wished to kill time. There are much better museums.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Is there any way to see the Lucy fossil in person, not just the replica on display?
eusebio deiana
16 contributions
I was told by my guide that it was a replica..... the real Lucy is in a much safer place.....
Jenny A
Derby1 contribution
Is there a cloakroom where we can leave large bags whilst we visit the museum?
tony r
Peterborough, UK98 contributions
No but if you Ask they might be able to store it somewhere for you but personally with all the security checks getting in I’d say your better leaving it at your hotel
Bonjour,
C'es qui la fameuse "Lucie"?
ReginaLa
Zürich, Schweiz119 contributions
Le squelette le plus ancient, si je me souviens correctement.
Birg
Hoi An, Vietnam47 contributions
Is museum open today ? Good Friday
Dawit Aragaw Mekonnen
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia90 contributions
Yes, the National Museum is open all days of the week including public holidays!
CarolGarbelotto
Sydney, Australia146 contributions
How much time normally we spend at this museum?
Wagner A
9 contributions
Depends on. If you are very interested in Ethiopia History and Archaeology, you spend about 2 hour once you will read every explanation about each item. But if you just want see and go, you'll spend about 30 or 40 minutes.
Where I spent more time was at Archaeology area, because I read every text. Anyway, is a place worthy to see, once there is Lucy, the oldest complete human skeleton
Frequently Asked Questions about National Museum of Ethiopia
- National Museum of Ethiopia is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking National Museum of Ethiopia tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 81 National Museum of Ethiopia tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience National Museum of Ethiopia:
- Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off (From $70.52)
- Half Day City Tour of Addis Ababa (From $60.00)
- Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa (From $77.00)
- Addis Ababa half day city tour (From $59.94)
- Full-Day Private City Tour of Addis Ababa (From $153.85)
- Hotels near National Museum of Ethiopia:
- (0.17 mi) Roza Hotel
- (0.26 mi) Denver Boutique Hotel
- (0.66 mi) Addis Regency Hotel
- (1.32 mi) Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Addis Ababa
- (1.56 mi) Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa
- Restaurants near National Museum of Ethiopia:
- (0.06 mi) Lucy Lounge & Restaurant
- (0.08 mi) Montmartre
- (0.15 mi) Romina Restaurant & Bar
- (0.91 mi) Tomoca
- (1.38 mi) Gazebo Restaurant on the Park