A Modern Marvel; Ethiopia's Science Museum

Located at the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's recently inaugurated science museum resembles Apple's HQ with its circular shape and the seamless blend into the surrounding greenery.

As you enter the compound, you're met with neatly groomed grass and a narrow asphalt pathway leading you directly into the entrance. The sound of birds chiming, and the sparsely planted trees make the short walk on the slightly steep pathway more enjoyable. And the gray facade and glazing of the building make the greenery stand out much more.

As part of the Chinese aided Addis Ababa riverside redevelopment project, the museum is built on 7 hectares of land and includes two major building complexes in which, you'll find several interactive exhibits that display local solutions in healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), service industries, data analytics, manufacturing, and robotics among others.

As you get through the main entrance of the first building (aptly named "The Ring of Wisdom"), you're greeted with a large hall with a scaled down model of our solar system hanging from the ceiling. Who knew finding Saturn would be challenging without its rings? The spotlights kind of resemble distance stars though. And the gently sloped ramp spiraling around the center allows people of all ages and disabilities to admire our solar system as they climb up the floors towards the roof terrace. The main floor has a visitor's center, two large exhibition halls, an amphitheater and various offices and a cafeteria area.

The roof terrace is thoughtfully designed, featuring a walking path in-between the roof garden, a seating area with stunning city views, and solar panels for green energy generation. Although the main building is 9 meters tall (around 3 Storey high), you get to see the skyscrapers of the city due to the elevation of the place where the museum is located.

As you stroll around the perimeter, the main building continues to captivate your attention. Due to the sloping site, the west side of the building is suspended, supported by large columns jutting from the ground. Its landscaped underside blends with the terrain, giving the building the appearance of a flying saucer that has just landed on Earth. On the other side of the footpath, you'll find the dome shaped 3-dimensional cinema. The 24-meters high dome is constructed on a 450 Sq.M. of land and is capable of accommodating around 200 people.

Inaugurated in 2022 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the newly opened Science Museum aims to showcase Ethiopia’s rich indigenous knowledge, science, and art, while also highlighting modern technological advancements.