Plizio Visual Lab
Jubilee Palace
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Jubilee Palace, now officially known as the National Palace, was built in 1955 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Emperor Haile Selassie's reign. Located near Africa Park in Addis Ababa, it served for many years as the primary residence of the Emperor and the venue for important state receptions. The palace's architecture is elegant and imposing, blending modern design elements with imperial grandeur, making it one of the city's most impressive governmental structures. Following the 1974 revolution and the fall of the monarchy, the palace was nationalized and currently serves as the official residence of the President of Ethiopia. The extensive grounds are famous for their well-manicured gardens and the resident peacocks and lions, which were traditional symbols of imperial authority. Although the palace interior remains largely inaccessible to the general public, it continues to be a vital symbol of Ethiopia's political history and the enduring legacy of the Ethiopian state.
- Location: Ethiopia
- Top sights: National Palace · Ethiopia Park · Africa Park
- Nearby: Bishoftu (34 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 12 | 27 | 56 | 90 | 89 | 116 | 239 | 246 | 145 | 34 | 16 | 13 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Jubilee Palace is the official residence of the president and is not open to the general public. Occasionally, guided tours are organized during state visits or special occasions, announced in advance.
Typical hours
No regular opening hours for visitors exist as the building is not open for tourism. Check with the local tourist office about possible special openings on national holidays.
Photography
Photography of the exterior from the street is allowed. Interior photos are generally not permitted unless explicit permission is granted.
Time needed
Viewing the exterior grounds takes about 20 minutes including photography. Allow 30 minutes for a walk around the palace perimeter.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby National Palace and Unity Park. The Ethnological Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral are also within walking distance.
Getting there
The palace is located in central Addis Ababa, reachable by taxi or private car. Public bus stops are nearby, but it's best to inquire about specific routes in advance.
Insider tip
Look for the statue of Haile Selassie in front of the palace - a great photo subject. Dress respectfully as it is a government building.
Geography
Facts
- Completed in 1955 for Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee.
- Current official residence and office of the President of Ethiopia.
- Known for its expansive gardens and resident lions and peacocks.
- The palace was the site of the founding of the OAU in 1963.
- Renamed the National Palace after the 1974 revolution.
- Located centrally near the Africa Hall and the Hilton Hotel.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Jubilee Palace (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Jubilee Palace used for today?
It serves as the official residence of the President of Ethiopia for ceremonial occasions.
When was the palace built?
It was built in 1955 to mark the 25th anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie's coronation.
Is the palace open to the public?
Access was restricted for a long time, but parts of the grounds have been opened as part of tourism projects.
Are there animals to be seen there?
The palace is famous for its gardens, where lions were traditionally kept.
Where is the Jubilee Palace located?
It is located on Menelik II Avenue in Addis Ababa, opposite the ECA building.
Jubilee Palace: where is it located?
Jubilee Palace is located in Ethiopia.
Jubilee Palace: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Palace, Ethiopia Park, Africa Park.
Jubilee Palace: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Jubilee Palace: why is it worth visiting?
The Jubilee Palace, now officially known as the National Palace, was built in 1955 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Emperor Haile Selassie's reign.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Ethiopia →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum
A museum dedicated to the victims of the Derg regime's Red Terror campaign in the late 1970s.
🗺️
Meskel Square
The main public square in Addis Ababa, famously used for public gatherings and the annual Meskel festival.
Addis Ababa Stadium
A multi-purpose stadium in the heart of Addis Ababa, serving as a major venue for football matches and athletic events.
Tiglachin Monument
A prominent memorial dedicated to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War.
CBE Headquarters
The tallest building in Ethiopia, serving as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
Adey Abeba Stadium
A modern, large-capacity stadium constructed to host major international sporting events in Ethiopia.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A highly ornate Orthodox cathedral that serves as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Menelik II Monument
An equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II, celebrating his victory at the Battle of Adwa.
Nature
More places
Menelik II's Imperial Palace
Built in the late 19th century, this palace complex in Addis Ababa was the seat of Ethiopian emperors.
🗺️
Sheger Park Addis
A new urban park along the riverbank with play areas for children.
Friendship Square
A modern public square with gardens, water features, and recreation zones.
Unity Park Addis
A large theme park on the grounds of the Imperial Palace with a zoo and museums.
Addis Lion Zoo
A historic zoo especially known for the rare Abyssinian lions.
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)
An octagonal church commissioned by Emperor Menelik II in 1896 to commemorate the victory at Adwa against the Italians.
BGI Ethiopia Brewery
One of the country's largest and oldest breweries, known for popular brands like St.
Huajian Shoe Factory
A large factory by a Chinese manufacturer producing millions of shoes for export to Europe and America.