PALAIS DU JUBILE

The National Palace is Haile Selassie's former residence, built in 1955 to mark the emperor's silver jubilee. Originally intended to receive distinguished guests, it eventually housed the sovereign himself, when the Genet Le'ul Palace, considered unsafe following an abortive coup d'état in 1960, was handed over to the city's university. It was thus his last residence before his downfall in 1974. This 14,000^m2 white neoclassical building, tinged with Art Deco details, is set in an attractive garden. The bas-reliefs on the main façade illustrate the country's history. Closed for restoration for many years, it is now in the process of being converted into a museum. Thanks to total funding of 20 million euros from the French Development Agency (AFD), Expertise France is supporting the Ethiopian Palace Administration (FDREPA) in the restoration of the palace, notably through the expertise of a French architect specializing in historic monuments. On the collections side, the museum exhibition is currently being enhanced with the help of experts from the Château de Versailles. Ultimately, management and governance will be Ethiopian, sustainable and inclusive of a diverse public. The museum is due to open soon. This is the first time the palace will be open to the public. The central part of the garden will also be restored, including the exotic garden, the Japanese garden, the lion's den and the monkey enclosure.