Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum

The Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa is a somber memorial and history museum dedicated to honoring the victims of the Derg regime's 1976–1978 Red Terror. Located near Meskel Square, it features stark exhibits of human remains, torture instruments, and historical photographs accompanied by guided tours.

The Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa was established in 2010 to commemorate the victims of the Red Terror, a campaign of violent political repression orchestrated under the Derg regime between 1976 and 1978. Situated at the corner of historic Meskel Square, the museum emerged largely from efforts by the Association of Red Terror Survivors, Families and Friends to ensure that the atrocities are remembered under the motto 'Never, Ever Again'.

The museum houses graphic and somber exhibits that present the history leading up to the revolution and subsequent violence. Displays include torture instruments, real human remains such as skulls and bones displayed in glass cabinets, coffins, blood-stained clothes, archival records, and photographs of victims. Outside the building, visitors can view a 'Never Again' themed memorial statue.

The institution is not government-financed and relies solely on voluntary visitor donations for its maintenance and operation. Visitors can explore the single-floor exhibition independently or with English-speaking guides, including guides who share personal insights into the historical events.

Facilities & services

• Wheelchair accessible
• Accessible parking
• Accessible restroom

Highlights

• Displays of torture instruments, coffins, and blood-stained clothing
• Human skulls and skeletal remains of Red Terror victims exhibited in glass cases
• Extensive photographic archives and personal stories documenting the Derg regime's repression
• Outdoor 'Never Again' memorial statue
• Guided tours providing personal and historical narratives leading from Haile Selassie's rule to the Red Terror

Details

collections

Torture instruments, human remains (skulls and bones), coffins, blood-stained clothes, personal artefacts, and photographs of victims

exhibitions

Three distinct phases of the Red Terror story: The Fall of Silence: From Palace to Prison; The Rise of Terror; and The Red Terror (Keyshibr) and Decline of the Derg

guided tours

Free tours with guides are available, describing the history leading up to the Red Terror, actions taken toward opposition, prisoner treatment, and secret communications

ticket prices

Entry is free of charge; the museum operates on donations alone

Best time

Anytime (emotional impact is consistent; crowd is typically low)

Time needed

30 minutes to 1 hour

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible, accessible parking, accessible restroom

Visitor tips

• Be prepared for graphic and emotionally intense content, including displays of human remains, torture instruments, and stark photos of victims.
• Take advantage of a guided tour, as English-speaking guides provide poignant, firsthand historical context.
• Consider bringing cash to leave a generous donation, as the museum receives no government funding and relies entirely on visitor contributions.
• Plan for a relatively short visit lasting roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Questions