Africa Hall's £42M Restoration Wins Prestigious Global Architecture Prize
The modernist masterpiece in Addis Ababa, birthplace of African unity, celebrates stunning rebirth with international recognition
A remarkable architectural resurrection is capturing global attention as Africa Hall in Addis Ababa receives the World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism prize following its extraordinary £42 million restoration.
The historic landmark, designed by Italian architect Arturo Mezzedimi and completed in 1961, has been hailed as one of the defining achievements of African architecture. The building's significance extends far beyond its striking modernist design—it served as the venue for the founding meeting of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, making it the symbolic birthplace of continental cooperation and the precursor to today's African Union.
The meticulous restoration project represents more than just architectural preservation; it's a celebration of African heritage and a testament to the continent's commitment to honoring its modernist legacy. The building's rebirth demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can breathe new life into historic structures while maintaining their cultural and political significance.
The World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism prize recognition places Africa Hall among the world's most important architectural achievements, highlighting the global significance of African modernist design. This international acknowledgment underscores the building's role not just as a local landmark, but as a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture that deserves worldwide recognition.
The restoration's success showcases the potential for preserving modernist architecture across Africa, setting a powerful example for similar projects throughout the continent. By investing in the careful restoration of this iconic building, Ethiopia has demonstrated its commitment to cultural preservation while creating a renewed space for continued diplomatic and cultural activities.
The project's completion marks a new chapter for Africa Hall, ensuring that future generations can experience this architectural marvel and understand its pivotal role in African history. The building now stands as both a preserved piece of modernist heritage and a functioning symbol of African unity, ready to inspire continued cooperation and cultural celebration for decades to come.
Sources
- Could we have 13 million new tiles please? The astonishing £42m rebirth of modernist masterpiece Africa Hall — The Guardian International