
Ethiopian National Theatre
A historic cultural hub showcasing Ethiopian theatre, dance, and music in a beautifully preserved vintage venue.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for shows

Ethiopian National Theatre
Best Time
Prime time for shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cultural hub showcasing Ethiopian theatre, dance, and music in a beautifully preserved vintage venue.
"A historical and graceful place, my favorite spot to watch theatre."

🎟️ Secure Your Tickets Early
For popular shows, consider booking tickets in advance to guarantee your seat.
⏰ Arrive Before Show Time
Allow extra time for ticketing and finding your seat, as lines can form.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Theatre Performances
Main Stage
Experience captivating plays, comedies, and dramas showcasing Ethiopian talent and storytelling. Many shows have long-standing popularity.

Cultural Dance Shows
Main Stage
Witness vibrant traditional dances, often featuring colorful costumes and energetic performances that celebrate Ethiopia's diverse heritage.

Historical Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the classic architecture of this vintage cinema and theatre, a well-maintained historic building with beautiful interiors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Arrive Early for Ticketing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Secure Your Tickets Early
For popular shows, consider booking tickets in advance to guarantee your seat.
⏰ Arrive Before Show Time
Allow extra time for ticketing and finding your seat, as lines can form.
🚗 Safe Parking Available
Parking is available across the street and is generally safe, but take basic precautions.
🎭 Check Performance Schedules
Visit their social media or inquire locally for the latest plays and events.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Secure Your Tickets Early
For popular shows, consider booking tickets in advance to guarantee your seat.
⏰ Arrive Before Show Time
Allow extra time for ticketing and finding your seat, as lines can form.
🚗 Safe Parking Available
Parking is available across the street and is generally safe, but take basic precautions.
🎭 Check Performance Schedules
Visit their social media or inquire locally for the latest plays and events.
✨ Enjoy the Ambiance
Appreciate the historic charm and beautiful interior of this vintage venue.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ethiopian National Theatre is a cherished historic venue, praised for its beautiful architecture and the quality of its traditional plays and cultural performances. While many appreciate the rich artistic offerings and the lively atmosphere, some find the seating could be more comfortable and the ticketing process a bit disorganized. Despite minor drawbacks, it remains a significant cultural gem in Addis Ababa.
"Ethiopian National Theatre is a historic and cultural gem in the city. The building itself has a lot of character and charm, and it's clear that a lot of care has been put into preserving its history. However, the seating arrangements leave something to be desired they could be more comfortable. Additionally, the ticketing process is a bit disorganized, with long lines forming to purchase tickets even when the theater is far from full. This can be frustrating, especially since the shows don't always start on time. Overall, while the National Theatre is a great place to experience the arts and culture of Ethiopia, there are definitely some areas that could use improvement."
Mikiyas Melkamu
"A historical and graceful place. My favourite place to watch a theatre. I have watched "ባቢሎን በሳሎን" for the second times. The theatre is a comedy type but also with valuable points. I thought that people are not on to theatre anymore but, the place was full which proved me wrong."
ዳግማዊ ሰለሞን
"It’s an old building that was well maintained. The inside it’s absolutely beautiful."
Farida AYK
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ethiopian National Theatre is located in the heart of Addis Ababa. Taxis are readily available and are the most convenient way to reach the theatre. Public transportation options might also be available, but taxis offer direct access.
Yes, there is parking available across the street from the theatre. While generally considered safe, it's always advisable to take basic security measures, such as locking your car and not leaving valuables visible.
Travel times will vary depending on your starting location in Addis Ababa and traffic conditions. It's best to factor in potential delays, especially during peak hours.
Ride-sharing apps are becoming increasingly popular in Addis Ababa and can be a convenient option for reaching the Ethiopian National Theatre.
While specific routes may vary, many public transport options in Addis Ababa pass through the city center, making it possible to reach the vicinity of the theatre. However, taxis are often more direct.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased at the theatre's box office. For some popular shows, advance booking through an application or at designated points might be available.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the box office or checking their official channels for any special offers or group rates.
Ticket prices can vary depending on the performance. While some events might have free entrance, others will have a fee. It's best to check directly with the theatre for current pricing.
Reviews suggest that shows don't always start precisely on time, so it's advisable to be patient. Arriving a bit early helps ensure you don't miss the beginning.
For most performances, tickets are available on the day of the show, especially since the theatre is rarely completely full. However, for highly anticipated events, booking in advance is safer.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
You can expect a variety of performances including traditional plays, comedies, dramas, and cultural dance shows. They also host musical performances and sometimes special events.
Absolutely! It's considered a prime venue for theater enthusiasts, showcasing both classic and contemporary Ethiopian productions, some of which have been running for years.
While the theatre has a beautiful interior, some visitors find the seating arrangements could be more comfortable.
Yes, the Ethiopian National Theatre is a historic and vintage venue, established by His Majesty Haile Selassie I, and has been well-maintained to preserve its grace and charm.
The atmosphere is often lively and engaging, especially when the theatre is full, showcasing the community's appreciation for the arts.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography and videography are restricted inside the theatre during performances to avoid disturbing the audience and performers. It's best to check specific venue rules upon arrival.
The exterior of the theatre itself is architecturally interesting. You can also find iconic landmarks nearby, like the Lion of Judah statue, which makes for a great photo.
It is highly discouraged to take photos of performers during a show. Respect the performance and the audience by refraining from flash photography or intrusive picture-taking.
The facade of the theatre and the surrounding areas, especially if there are cultural displays or events happening outside, can offer good photographic opportunities.
For interior shots (if permitted during non-performance times or in designated areas), a camera with good low-light capabilities would be beneficial. For exterior shots, any standard camera or smartphone will suffice.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the length of the performance and the subject matter to ensure it's engaging for younger audiences. The vibrant cultural dances are often a hit with all ages due to their visual appeal and energy.
🎭 Theatre Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a classic theatre experience, appreciating the historic venue and the dedication of the local artists. It's a chance to witness Ethiopian storytelling and artistic expression firsthand.
📸 Culture & History Buffs
Admire the vintage architecture and the enduring legacy of Ethiopian performing arts. The nearby Lion of Judah statue also adds to the historical and symbolic significance of the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cultural Significance of Ethiopian Theatre
Beyond traditional theatre, the venue frequently showcases vibrant traditional dance performances that highlight the diverse ethnic groups and cultural expressions within Ethiopia. These performances are often characterized by colorful costumes and dynamic choreography, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into the country's rich heritage.
The theatre also plays a role in contemporary arts, hosting modern plays, musical performances, and even international cultural festivals. Its enduring presence signifies the importance of the arts in Ethiopian culture, providing a space for storytelling, social commentary, and celebration.
Navigating Ticketing and Seating
Some visitors have noted that the seating arrangements could be more comfortable. However, the overall experience is often enhanced by the historic ambiance of the venue. If you're concerned about getting a good seat, there might be individuals offering to help you get to the front of a waiting line for a fee, but this is often unnecessary as seats are usually plentiful.
For popular or special performances, it's a good idea to check if advance booking options are available, perhaps through an app or designated outlets, to ensure you don't miss out.
Architectural Charm and History
Its interior is noted for being absolutely beautiful, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. The exterior also holds symbolic importance, with the majestic Lion of Judah statue standing guard nearby, representing strength and the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia.
This blend of historical architecture and cultural importance makes the Ethiopian National Theatre a landmark that offers a unique aesthetic experience alongside its performing arts offerings.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit