Palace Museum (National/Jubilee Palace of Ethiopia)
About This Museum
The Jubilee Palace Museum isn't your typical repository of artifacts; it's a journey into the living rooms of Ethiopian power. For decades, this grand building served as the main residence for the country's emperors, from Haile Selassie to his predecessors. Stepping inside feels less like visiting a museum and more like gaining privileged access to a world of state dinners and imperial decrees. The atmosphere is thick with history, preserved in the very carpets they walked on and the furniture they used.
Collection Highlights
You'll find Emperor Haile Selassie's ornate bedroom set exactly as he left it, along with an array of royal regalia including crowns and ceremonial weaponry. One of the most poignant exhibits is his extensive, personal collection of mounted wildlife trophies, which speaks volumes about a bygone era. The grounds themselves are a highlight, featuring vintage automobiles and even a small zoo that once belonged to the imperial family.
Visitor Information
You'll need to book a guided tour to get in—they run at set times and are the only way to explore the palace interiors. It’s a good idea to check their schedule online ahead of your visit, as it’s still a working government building.
Architecture & Building
The palace is a stately, neoclassical building painted a brilliant white, with grand columns and manicured gardens that project an air of dignified authority.
Contact & Location
Address: አዲስ አበባ / Addis Ababa, Arada, አዲስ አበባ Addis Ababa أديس أبابا, አዲስ አበባ أديس أبابا, 3578, ኢትዮጵያ إثيوبيا
Phone: +251 91 086 4825
Website: Visit Website
