National Museum of Ethiopia

One of the region's most significant collections is within the confines of Ethiopia's National Museum in the nation's capital of Addis Abeba.

The museum opened its doors in 1944 and is broken into four divisions: paleontology and prehistory, history, ethnography, and modern art.

Together, the collections depict Ethiopia's natural and cultural past.

THINGS TO DO AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ETHIOPIA:

Observe the replica of the prehistoric progenitor:

Two magnificent casts of Lucy, a fossilized hominid and unquestionably the most famous prehistoric resident of Ethiopia, may be found at the basement level.

One is lying on its side, while the other is standing much as she did 3.2 million years ago, making it clear how small our predecessors were.

Browse through the collection in the museum for remains:

The museum's archives have the original bones. Additionally, this area has the petrified remains of some incredible extinct animals, such as the enormous saber-toothed feline Homotherium and the enormous savannah pig Notochoerus.

Walk through eras as you pass by the organized exhibitions:

The ground floor's perimeter emphasizes the pre-Aksumite, Aksumite, Solomonic, and Gonderian eras.

An intriguing 4th-century BC rock-hewn chair decorated with mythical ibexes, an exquisite pre-1st-century AD bronze oil lamp depicting a dog chasing an ibex, and ancient Sabaean inscriptions are among the diverse artifacts.

The room's center is filled with abundant royal memorabilia, notably the massive (and obscenely ugly) carved wooden throne that belonged to Emperor Haile Selassie.

Admire visual art and its prominent features:

A vibrant collection of Ethiopian art, dating from the early (perhaps 14th century) parchment to 20th-century canvas oil paintings by eminent modern artists, is on the first floor. One of the more prominent pieces is the enormous African Heritage by Afewerk Tekle.

Take note of the Star of David and Christian Cross carved on the soldier's shield standing next to Solomon.

Observe the handicrafts and daily use items that have now become antiquity:

A dingy and unorganized collection of secular arts and crafts may be found on the second floor, including antique tools, jewelry, apparel, and musical instruments.