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Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum

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Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)

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The Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, inaugurated in 2010, serves as a somber monument to the victims of the 'Red Terror' campaign under the Derg regime. During the late 1970s, thousands of Ethiopians were subjected to systematic imprisonment, torture, and extrajudicial execution. The museum's exhibits include displays of skeletal remains, blood-stained clothing, and personal belongings recovered from mass graves, providing a chillingly detailed account of the state-sponsored violence. It aims to preserve the memory of the deceased and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated in the nation's history. Located near Meskel Square, the museum is divided into rooms that represent different stages of the regime's rise and the subsequent period of suffering. It also highlights the resistance movements that eventually led to the downfall of the military junta in 1991. Visitors are often guided by survivors who share personal testimonies of their experiences during the repression. The facility serves not only as a place of mourning but also as an educational center for human rights and historical justice in contemporary Ethiopia.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

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Avg °C151718181818161616141414
Rain mm1227569089116239246145341613

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum is a museum documenting the horrors of the Derg regime and is open to the public. Visitors go through an emotionally charged permanent exhibition of photographs, documents, and personal items.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on major holidays. It is advisable to check the current hours by phone or online before visiting.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but without flash to protect sensitive exhibits. In some particularly personal exhibition sections, photography may be restricted.
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Time needed
A thorough visit takes about two to three hours, as the exhibition has a lot of information and emotional content. Take your time to process the individual stories of the victims.
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Combine with
The museum can be combined with the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Railway Museum, both in Addis Ababa. A stroll through the nearby Menelik Palace park is also a pleasant addition.
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Getting there
The museum is located in the Bole district of Addis Ababa, near Bole Road. It is easily reachable by taxi or minibus; a bajaj (three-wheeled taxi) is especially convenient for short distances.
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Insider tip
Prepare yourself emotionally for the exhibition, as it can be very moving. An audio guide with headphones often provides additional background information about individual victims.

Geography

Coordinates
9.01000, 38.76100

Facts

  • The museum was officially opened to the public on March 2, 2010.
  • It is located directly on the southeastern edge of the central Meskel Square.
  • The exhibition documents the Derg regime's terror between 1977 and 1978.
  • The halls display artifacts recovered from over 50 identified mass graves.
  • The downfall of the military junta in 1991 ended the systematic oppression.
  • Most of the museum guides are former political prisoners and survivors.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Meskel SquareMeskel Square<1 km · NExplore →
Friendship SquareFriendship Square1 km · SEExplore →
Holy Trinity CathedralHoly Trinity Cathedral2 km · EExplore →
BGI Ethiopia BreweryBGI Ethiopia Brewery2 km · SWExplore →
Medhane Alem CathedralMedhane Alem Cathedral3 km · NExplore →
Grand Anwar MosqueGrand Anwar Mosque3 km · SEExplore →
Huajian Shoe FactoryHuajian Shoe Factory5 km · WExplore →
Yeka Nature ParkYeka Nature Park7 km · NExplore →

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Sights in the town Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (1)

Meskel Square🌳 park

This vast public square in Addis Ababa serves as a major gathering point for religious and national festivals.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the museum focus on?
It commemorates the victims of the 'Red Terror' under the Mengistu regime in the 1970s.
Where is the memorial museum located?
It is located right at a corner of Meskel Square in central Addis Ababa.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Caution is advised due to the explicit depictions of violence and human remains displayed.
How much time should be allocated for the visit?
A tour usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is often free, but donations for the museum's upkeep are highly encouraged.
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum: where is it located?
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum is located in Ethiopia.
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, inaugurated in 2010, serves as a somber monument to the victims of the 'Red Terror' campaign under the Derg regime.
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Africa
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Nearby cities

Addis Ababa — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa
The capital and largest city of Ethiopia, and the headquarters of the African Union.

History & landmarks

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Meskel Square
The main public square in Addis Ababa, famously used for public gatherings and the annual Meskel festival.
Jubilee Palace — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Jubilee Palace
Built to mark Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee, it now serves as the official residence of the President.
Addis Ababa Stadium — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa Stadium
A multi-purpose stadium in the heart of Addis Ababa, serving as a major venue for football matches and athletic events.
Adey Abeba Stadium — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Adey Abeba Stadium
A modern, large-capacity stadium constructed to host major international sporting events in Ethiopia.
CBE Headquarters — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
CBE Headquarters
The tallest building in Ethiopia, serving as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
Tiglachin Monument — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Tiglachin Monument
A prominent memorial dedicated to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War.
Holy Trinity Cathedral — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A highly ornate Orthodox cathedral that serves as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Menelik II Monument — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Menelik II Monument
An equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II, celebrating his victory at the Battle of Adwa.

Nature

Akaki River — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Akaki River
A small river near Addis Ababa.

More places

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Sheger Park Addis
A new urban park along the riverbank with play areas for children.
Menelik II&#39;s Imperial Palace — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Menelik II's Imperial Palace
Built in the late 19th century, this palace complex in Addis Ababa was the seat of Ethiopian emperors.
Friendship Square — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Friendship Square
A modern public square with gardens, water features, and recreation zones.
Unity Park Addis — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Unity Park Addis
A large theme park on the grounds of the Imperial Palace with a zoo and museums.
BGI Ethiopia Brewery — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
BGI Ethiopia Brewery
One of the country's largest and oldest breweries, known for popular brands like St.
Addis Lion Zoo — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Addis Lion Zoo
A historic zoo especially known for the rare Abyssinian lions.
St. George&#39;s Cathedral (Addis Ababa) — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)
An octagonal church commissioned by Emperor Menelik II in 1896 to commemorate the victory at Adwa against the Italians.
Huajian Shoe Factory — Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum (Ethiopia)
Huajian Shoe Factory
A large factory by a Chinese manufacturer producing millions of shoes for export to Europe and America.