Africa Hall, United Nations conference building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Africa Hall is a United Nations conference building in Addis Ababa designed by architect Arturo Mezzedimi in a modernist style. It contains multiple conference spaces in different sizes, including two large halls and smaller meeting rooms suited to various types of gatherings.
Emperor Haile Selassie opened this building in 1961 as a symbol of Ethiopia's modern development. It became the location where the founding conference of the African Union took place a few years later, making it a key site for African unity.
The main foyer features a large stained glass artwork by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle that shows Africa's history across time. This art piece blends modern and traditional African visual language in a way visitors see right away when they enter.
The building sits in central Addis Ababa and is relatively easy to reach, though access can sometimes be restricted. Visitors should check beforehand whether a tour is possible, as not all areas are open to the public.
Traditional Ethiopian patterns were woven into the building design to honor a worker who died during construction. This subtle gesture connects the structure to the people who made its creation possible.
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