Ethiopia’s Africa Hall, inaugurated in 1961, has been renovated to enhance its historical and cultural significance. The $57 million project focused on modernizing the venue while honoring its heritage, leading to improved accessibility and safety. Key features included the restoration of a significant stained-glass window, symbolizing Africa’s liberative journey.
Ethiopia’s renowned Africa Hall, inaugurated by Emperor Haile Selassie in February 1961 as the headquarters for the UN Economic Commission for Africa, has undergone a decade-long renovation. Originally completed in just 18 months, this iconic structure features a stunning 150-square-meter stained-glass window and has grown in importance as a venue for significant Pan-African meetings. Just two years post-inauguration, Africa Hall hosted the founding of the Organization of African Unity, illustrating its central role in fostering continental cooperation and independence from colonial rule.
The extensive renovation, completed in October 2022, repurposed Africa Hall into a modern conference and cultural venue, with an investment of $57 million initiated by the ECA in 2013. Architectus Conrad Gargett led the redesign, focusing on both modernization and the preservation of the building’s historical significance. Project architect Simon Boundy emphasized the importance of revitalizing the landmark to ensure its continued relevance while honoring its heritage.
To maintain Africa Hall’s historical integrity, local architects and engineers, such as Mewded Wolde, contributed their insights into the building’s rich history. The renovation included fabricating and reinstalling roughly 13 million tiles to match the original aesthetic while enhancing the interior to accommodate larger audiences. Cutting-edge technology was seamlessly integrated, ensuring the building aligns with modern conferencing needs without altering its historical architecture.
A radical transformation improved accessibility and safety, reinforcing its structural core with advanced materials to protect the facility from further deterioration. Notably, the intricate stained-glass window, titled “The Total Liberation of Africa,” was meticulously restored, showcasing Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle’s vision that encapsulates Africa’s journey of liberation from colonialism while anticipating a hopeful future.
In addition to the window restoration, a permanent exhibition was established, highlighting Africa Hall’s pivotal role in Pan-African historical events. Mewded Wolde reflected on the significance of both the artwork and the renovation in continuing to shape Africa’s narrative, echoing the vision expressed by Emperor Selassie over sixty years ago. The refurbished Africa Hall stands not only as a venue but also as a monument to the ongoing pursuit of unity and progress within Africa.
The renovation of Africa Hall signifies a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s commitment to preserving its historical narratives while embracing the future. Through careful balance and integration of modern technology, the hall continues to function as a crucial venue for Pan-African dialogue. The restoration of its iconic stained-glass window further underscores its symbolic relevance, serving as a reminder of Africa’s past and the ongoing journey toward unity and cooperation among its nations.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
