Africa Hall in Addis Ababa Wins 2026 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize — A Landmark of African Modernism Restored

In a historic moment for architecture on the African continent, Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia has been awarded the 2026 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize, marking a milestone as the first African site to receive this distinguished recognition.

The award, presented biennially by the World Monuments Fund (WMF) and Knoll, honors outstanding conservation efforts for modernist architecture worldwide. This year’s jury selected Africa Hall from among 73 submissions from 28 countries, recognizing its restoration as an exemplary blend of heritage conservation, design integrity, and contemporary function.

A Symbol of African Modernism and Diplomatic History

Designed by Italian architect Arturo Mezzedimi and completed in 1961, Africa Hall was originally built to house the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and to serve as a diplomatic venue for newly independent African states. Its role in the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963—now the African Union (AU)—cements its place as an architectural and political landmark.

Architecturally, the building combines reinforced concrete form, panoramic views of Addis Ababa, and refined interior materials including Carrara marble, Ethiopian stone, mosaics, and monumental stained glass by celebrated Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle.

A Decade of Restoration: Preserving Legacy While Embracing the Future

The restoration project, led by the Australian firm Architectus in collaboration with heritage specialists and local craftspeople, unfolded between 2014 and 2024. This comprehensive renewal was rooted in meticulous archival research into Mezzedimi’s original design and a commitment to preserving both artistic and structural authenticity.

Key restoration achievements include:

• Conservation of stained-glass triptych “The Total Liberation of Africa” by Afewerk Tekle, expertly restored with the involvement of the artist’s grandson.

• Refurbishment of over 500 original furniture pieces designed by Mezzedimi, returned to their intended layout within the building.

• Reinstatement of mosaics and structural elements removed or damaged over decades.

• Integration of modern infrastructure upgrades (technology, accessibility, systems) without compromising historic fabric.

The restoration culminated in an official reopening in October 2024, presided over by leaders including the UN Secretary-General and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister.

Design Significance and Architectural Impact

Africa Hall’s architecture embodies modernist ideals while engaging deeply with local context and African aspirations. Its functional clarity, symbolic openness, and spatial articulation reflect the ethos of modern architecture adapted to Africa’s political and cultural narrative.

The project stands as a case study in heritage-led transformation—showing how modernist buildings can be revitalized to serve contemporary needs while safeguarding their historical and artistic value. For architecture professionals and students alike, Africa Hall’s conservation enriches the global discourse on modernism, sustainability, and adaptive reuse.

Why This Matters for Africa and Global Architecture

The 2026 Modernism Prize places Africa Hall in a select group of preserved icons, underscoring the importance of architectural heritage in shaping cultural identity and collective memory. This recognition has several implications:

• Raises the profile of African modernist architecture on the global stage.

• Highlights best practices in conservation that balance preservation with modern function.

• Encourages similar restoration efforts for other significant buildings across Africa and beyond.

As cities worldwide reckon with aging modernist infrastructure, Africa Hall’s success provides a powerful reference for projects that seek to preserve heritage while meeting contemporary expectations.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Ethiopia and Heritage Tourism

The restored Africa Hall is not only a working diplomatic venue but also a cultural destination. With upgraded facilities and a dedicated visitor centre, the building is poised to attract scholars, tourists, and architecture enthusiasts, further positioning Addis Ababa as a hub of historical and architectural exploration.

Conclusion

The accolade awarded to Africa Hall in 2026 stands as a testament to visionary restoration, cultural preservation, and architectural excellence. It highlights how historic modernist buildings can be thoughtfully conserved to serve current and future generations without losing their soul. This award does more than acknowledge a building—it celebrates the continuing relevance of African architectural heritage in a global context.