The National Museum of Ethiopia

The national museum of Ethiopia is probably one of the standout museums in sub-Saharan African in terms of its numerous and priceless collections. Housed the famous 3.2 million year skeleton lucy, the museum keeps important paleontological, historical, and cultural artifacts. The museum is subdivided into four main sections. The underground or the basement section is reserved for the paleontological discoveries of mankind and some amazing extinct creatures. The ground floor focuses on the pre-Aksumite, Aksumite, Solomonic, and Gonderian periods. It displays an elaborate pre-1st-century-AD bronze oil lamp, a fascinating 4th-century-BC rock-hewn chair emblazoned with mythical ibexes, and ancient Sabaean inscriptions and lavish royal paraphernalia. The 1st floor vividly displays Ethiopian art ranging from early (possibly 14th-century) parchment to 20th-century canvas oil paintings by leading modern artists. Afewerk Tekle’s massive African Heritage is one of the more notable pieces. The painting which depicts the meeting of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba also found here. The 2nd floor contains a collection of secular arts and crafts, including traditional weapons, jewelry, utensils, clothing, and musical instruments.