Often called the “Cradle of Humanity,” the National Museum of Ethiopia is the city’s most essential landmark. It isn’t just a building full of artifacts; it is the place where we go to find the very beginning of our own story.
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Whether you are a science enthusiast or a casual traveler, here is everything you need to know about visiting the museum and its world-famous resident, Lucy, in 2026.
The Star Attraction: Lucy (Dinkinesh)
The museum’s most famous resident is Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis. Discovered in the Afar region in 1974, she remains one of the most complete hominid fossils ever found.
The Cast vs. The Original
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The Display: When you visit the basement gallery, you will see a meticulously crafted cast (replica) of Lucy’s skeleton. It is displayed exactly as it was found in the ground, alongside a standing reconstruction that shows what she would have looked like in life (standing about 1.1 meters tall).
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The Original: To ensure their preservation, the actual fossilized bones are kept in a highly secure, climate-controlled safe within the museum’s paleoanthropology laboratory. They are rarely brought out for public viewing, though they occasionally travel for international exhibitions (most recently a rare 2025 tour in Europe).
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Why it Matters: Even though you are seeing a cast, the experience is profound. You are standing inches away from the exact shape of a being that bridged the gap between primates and modern humans.
Beyond Lucy: What to See
The museum is divided into four main sections, each offering a different look at Ethiopia’s vast history:
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The Basement (Paleontology): Aside from Lucy, you’ll find Selam (a 3.3-million-year-old fossil of a child) and Ardi (a 4.4-million-year-old ancestor). Don’t miss the fossils of extinct giant animals that once roamed the Ethiopian highlands.
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The Ground Floor (Archaeology & History): This floor covers the Pre-Aksumite, Aksumite, and Solomonic periods. Look for the massive stone thrones from the 4th century BC and the ornate wooden throne of Emperor Haile Selassie.
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The First Floor (Ethiopian Art): A stunning collection of traditional and contemporary art. Highlights include 14th-century illuminated manuscripts and the massive “African Heritage” painting by Afewerk Tekle.
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The Second Floor (Ethnography): A colorful look at the diverse cultures of Ethiopia. You’ll find traditional clothing, intricate silver jewelry, and musical instruments from the country’s 80+ ethnic groups.
Practical Information for Your Visit (2026)
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Location: King George VI St, near the Addis Ababa University main campus.
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Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Every day).
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Entry Fees: * Foreigners: ~100 – 200 ETB (approx. $1–$2 USD).
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Ethiopian Citizens: ~10 – 20 ETB.
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Photography: Usually allowed for a small additional fee (or included in your ticket), but no flash is permitted in the fossil galleries.
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Best Time to Visit: Arrive right at 9:00 AM to beat the school groups and tour buses. It takes about 2 hours to see the museum comfortably.
Visitor Tips
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Hire a Guide: There are often certified guides standing at the entrance. For a small fee (negotiable, usually around 300–500 ETB), they can explain the complex evolutionary science and the history behind the royal artifacts in a way that signs cannot.
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The Garden: The museum is surrounded by a peaceful garden filled with statues. It is a great place to sit and process the weight of history after your tour.
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Security: Expect a quick bag check at the gate—this is standard for all major public buildings in Addis Ababa.