Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum
A somber museum memorializing victims of Ethiopia's 'Red Terror' with graphic displays and impactful personal stories.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Emotional impact is consistent
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum
Best Time
Emotional impact is consistent
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A somber museum memorializing victims of Ethiopia's 'Red Terror' with graphic displays and impactful personal stories.
"A harrowing but essential visit for understanding Ethiopia's difficult past, especially with a guide."
Consider a Guided Tour
Guides offer deeply personal and impactful insights into the 'Red Terror' period. :bustsinsilhouette:
Be Prepared for Graphic Content
The museum displays are intense and may be disturbing. :skull:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Graphic Historical Displays
Witness harrowing photos and artifacts detailing the brutal 'Red Terror' period. A stark reminder of Ethiopia's past.
Personalized Guided Tours
Gain deep insights from guides personally affected by the Red Terror. Their stories make the history incredibly impactful.
Memorial to Victims
A place of remembrance for those who suffered and died during a dark chapter in Ethiopian history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Somber Experience
Support Through Donation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Consider a Guided Tour
Guides offer deeply personal and impactful insights into the 'Red Terror' period. :bustsinsilhouette:
Be Prepared for Graphic Content
The museum displays are intense and may be disturbing. :skull:
Donations are Crucial
The museum relies on donations for upkeep. Please give generously. :moneywithwings:
Short Visit Time
Plan for about 30 minutes to an hour for your visit. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
Consider a Guided Tour
Guides offer deeply personal and impactful insights into the 'Red Terror' period. :bustsinsilhouette:
Be Prepared for Graphic Content
The museum displays are intense and may be disturbing. :skull:
Donations are Crucial
The museum relies on donations for upkeep. Please give generously. :moneywithwings:
Short Visit Time
Plan for about 30 minutes to an hour for your visit. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum offers a deeply impactful, albeit emotionally challenging, look into a dark period of Ethiopian history. Visitors praise the personal and informative guided tours, which bring the harrowing exhibits to life. However, the museum's reliance on donations means upkeep can be inconsistent, and the graphic nature of the displays is not for everyone.
"Not for everyone. The purpose of the museum seems to be focussed more on shock and horror rather than sharing a historical perspective. Many photos of torture, death, starvation and the like.
There is a very nice English speaking guide available for those who dare to enter. Ticket price is by donation. Plan for approx 30mins."
Lindsay Harkness
"Very interesting museum about the dark past of Ethiopian history. The caretaker took me on a tour and had some horrifying experiences to share; highly recommended! Free entry, but a donation is expected since the government does not support the place"
Michael Schade
"Tragic history of Ethiopia. It's worth a visit and especially to take a guided tour. My tour guide was personally affected by the red terror and it was a very emotional tour. It takes less than half an hour and it's based on donations."
Teresa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Addis Ababa. Taxis are readily available and are the most convenient way to reach the museum. Ask your driver for the 'Red Terror Museum' or 'Bole Road Museum'.
While public transport exists in Addis Ababa, it can be crowded and less direct. Taxis are generally recommended for ease of access to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the museum is by donation. There is no fixed ticket price, as the museum is not government-funded and relies on visitor contributions for its upkeep.
No, advance booking is not required. You can visit anytime during opening hours and pay by donation upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daytime hours. It's advisable to check locally or ask your accommodation for the most current times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum displays graphic photos, artifacts, and personal accounts related to the 'Red Terror' period (1977-1978), showcasing the atrocities committed.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. Many guides have personal connections to the events and offer deeply moving and informative experiences. +1
Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour at the museum, depending on whether they take a guided tour and how long they spend reflecting on the exhibits.
Due to the graphic and disturbing nature of the exhibits, the museum is generally not recommended for young children.
The museum's condition can vary, and it relies heavily on donations for maintenance. Some areas may show signs of wear. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your guide or check for signage upon entry. Some exhibits may be sensitive and not suitable for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
It is highly recommended to engage with a local guide to fully grasp the context and emotional weight of the displays. Their personal stories and insights are invaluable for understanding the human impact of these historical events. Be prepared for an emotionally challenging but historically significant visit.
Travelers Seeking Authentic Experiences
Remember that the museum is run on donations, so your contribution directly supports the preservation of this important historical site. Engaging with the guides, who often have personal connections to the events, offers a unique and deeply moving perspective that is hard to find elsewhere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'Red Terror'
Visitors can expect to see graphic displays including photographs of torture victims, skulls, and other harrowing evidence of the violence. These exhibits are designed to shock and provoke reflection, offering a visceral understanding of the suffering endured by countless Ethiopians. The museum's existence is largely dependent on visitor donations, as it receives no government funding, highlighting the community's effort to preserve this difficult but important history.
Many visitors emphasize the profound impact of taking a guided tour. The guides are often individuals who have personal connections to the 'Red Terror' or its aftermath, sharing firsthand accounts and historical context that bring the exhibits to life in a deeply emotional way. This personal touch transforms the visit from a passive viewing of artifacts into an active engagement with history and its human cost.
The Importance of Donations and Support
Travelers are strongly encouraged to support the museum through their donations. This not only helps preserve the physical space and its exhibits but also acknowledges the importance of remembering this dark chapter in Ethiopian history. The guides themselves often share their personal struggles and the poverty faced by many Ethiopians, underscoring the broader need for support and awareness.
When visiting, be prepared for a raw and unvarnished experience. The lack of extensive government support means the museum offers an authentic, albeit sometimes stark, glimpse into the past. The emphasis is on the historical narrative and the human stories, rather than polished presentation.
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