The Oromia National Regional state has committed itself towards enhancement of the scientific studies and developments of Oromo culture, language, history and art as one of its priority areas. In order to achieve these objectives the regional state established the Oromo Cultural centre during 2014/15 in Finfinne, Legahar.
The main focus of the building design concept was, architecturally to realize a complex which will be utilized to research, record, preserve, develop and make the Oromo culture socio-economically more beneficial. In view of that the Oromo cultural Center primarily proposed to have the function of powerful cultural connection between symbols of cultural achievements. The complex is a composed of different functional department units including Museum, Theater & Cinema hall, Conference & meeting hall, Public library, Art & Music training center, Appraisal hall with 500 seats, Research departments, Restaurant and other recreational areas.
In the construction some symbolic features of 3D sculptures and Oromo cultural reliefs are also included. Those concrete Stella have been set up around the Complex and display various notions of Oromo culture. The central square fountain pool with it’s number 8 shapes and the five entrance steps symbolize the years of Gada power transition and the parties in the Gada system respectively. The Odaa tree which remains wet even during a long period of drought is sculptured in the circular buildings.
The establishment of the Oromo culture centre should be treated as multi-purpose: on the one hand as an intrinsic value, secondly as a real factor of regional development leading to increased attractiveness of regions for tourists, thirdly, as an active factor of social development based on knowledge, tolerance and creativity. So, the establishment of Oromo culture in a centre at Finfinnee city has its own impact on the economic and social development of the people since it strengthens social integration, a symbol of national identity, preserves local bonds, and comprises a basis of initiating co-operation and human communication with their own language. In addition to this, it supports the economy attracting foreign currency from tourists who visited the Museum, Cafeteria and the whole amusement areas of the centre.
