Unity Park
Unity Park is a large theme park in Arada, Addis Ababa, built on the grounds of the former National Palace and covering approximately 20 hectares. The space combines a zoo with native animals, nature exhibits, historical artifacts including items from Emperor Haile Selassie's era, old manuscripts in various languages, and open green areas with pathways for walking.
The park opened to the public in October 2019 as a modern initiative to enhance Addis Ababa's public spaces while honoring the site's royal heritage. The grounds, which previously served as a residence for emperors and queens, were renovated and transformed into a place where history and nature coexist for visitors to explore.
The park's name reflects the idea of bringing people together, and visitors can observe local artists displaying their work throughout the grounds. Traditional Ethiopian crafts and cultural performances happen here regularly, showing how the space serves as a center for community expression.
The park is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is easily accessible by local taxi, bus, or car with nearby parking available. Visitors can purchase entrance tickets online or at the gate, and facilities including restrooms, cafes, and shaded seating areas are located throughout the grounds.
The grounds house personal items of Emperor Haile Selassie, including his throne, and a remarkable collection of manuscripts in Ge'ez, Amharic, and other languages that visitors seldom encounter elsewhere. These rare collections offer insight into Ethiopian religious scholarship and centuries-old written traditions that connect past generations to modern visitors.
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