The National Museum: Meet Lucy, Your 3-Million-Year-Old Host

Yes, you absolutely have to go. This is where you come face-to-face with "Lucy" (Dinkinesh), our famous 3.2-million-year-old hominid ancestor, in her climate-controlled vault. But here’s a secret: the rest of the museum is just as captivating. The ground floor takes you through awe-inspiring prehistoric finds. Upstairs, you'll find magnificent royal regalia from Emperor Haile Selassie's era, including his ornate mirrored bedroom furniture. The art and archaeological galleries in between showcase treasures from ancient Axum and the medieval empires. It’s the single best place to start understanding Ethiopia’s deep, deep roots.

🎯 Don't Miss: Obviously, Lucy. But also look for the fossilized remains of "Selam," a 3.3-million-year-old child. The gorgeous rotating art exhibitions on the mezzanine level.

ℹ️ Practical Info: It's smaller than you might expect, but packed with treasures. A guide can really bring the exhibits to life.