Things to Do at Africa Hall

Africa Hall, built in 1961 as the original headquarters of the Organization of African Unity, stands as a symbol of African independence with its distinctive modernist architecture designed by Ethiopian and international architects. Guided tours cost 100 birr (/bin/bash.75) and must be arranged through the African Union protocol office - the building houses important historical artifacts including the original charter signed by founding African leaders. The hall's most famous feature is its massive stained glass window depicting the struggle for African independence, created by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle. Inside the assembly hall, your voice echoes in the space where historic decisions about African unity were made, while the air carries the scent of aged wood from original 1960s furnishings. The building's terrazzo floors reflect overhead lighting, creating interesting patterns that shift throughout the day as sunlight moves across the large windows. Standing where leaders like Haile Selassie, Kwame Nkrumah, and Gamal Abdel Nasser once debated the future of Africa creates a powerful connection to the continent's independence movements.

Africa Hall sits in the Kazanchis area, about 10 minutes by taxi from the city center. Most drivers know it well - just say 'Africa Hall' or 'UNECA.' If you're staying in the Bole area near the airport, it's roughly a 20-minute drive depending on traffic. The blue minibuses (shared taxis) also run routes that pass nearby, though you'll want to ask locals for the most current route information. Walking from central Addis Ababa is possible but involves some uphill stretches, so a taxi or ride-share app like Ride or ZayRide might be your best bet.