Adwa 00KM Museum
The Adwa 00KM Museum, inaugurated on February 11, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, commemorates the 1896 Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopian forces defeated Italian colonialists. Located in the Piasa area, the museum features unique architecture, including a bridge connecting it to the Mayor’s Office. It houses eleven blocks across five floors, offering exhibitions on Ethiopian history and culture. The museum has attracted over 31,000 visitors since its opening in March 2024.
Planning your visit
The Adwa 00KM Museum opened in February 2024 in the Piasa district, and its name states its claim: kilometre zero, the point from which distances and, by implication, national history are measured. It commemorates the 1896 Battle of Adwa, where Emperor Menelik II's forces destroyed an invading Italian army and secured Ethiopia's independence through the colonial partition of Africa — a victory that resonated across the continent and the diaspora for generations.
The building is architecturally ambitious, eleven blocks across five floors, connected by a bridge to the Mayor's Office, and it functions as a cultural centre with exhibition halls, performance and conference space as well as museum galleries.
It has drawn considerable domestic attention and some political controversy over the redevelopment of Piasa that accompanied it, including the clearance of historic buildings and businesses.
Note that a separate Adwa Victory Memorial Museum also operates in Addis Ababa.
Bookable options are guided museum tours. Current availability is listed below.
Before you book
Where is Adwa 00KM Museum?
Adwa 00KM Museum is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The map on this page marks its exact location.
Do I need to book Adwa 00KM Museum in advance?
Guided tours run to a fixed schedule and small group sizes, so they are usually booked ahead.
