Top 6 Must-Visit Kigali Museums for Every Explorer

Kigali is a busy city. It is one of the cleanest and safest in Africa. Yet, it has a dark past. In 1994, a terrible genocide happened here. About a million people lost their lives.

Kigali has many places that remember those who died. These spots honor the victims. Visiting them can be hard on the heart. When you've seen enough of the sad past, there are other places to explore. Look into Kigali's small museums. They show Rwanda's past and culture. You can learn about the old colonial times. See the bright and lively modern art. Keep reading to find out about the top 5 museums in Kigali.

Learn the history of Rwanda in the best museums in Kigali

Explore the top 6 must-see museums in Kigali, Rwanda

Most Rwandan museums are closed on the last Saturday of each month for Umuganda, a national holiday dedicated to community service, and on April 7, Tutsi Genocide Memorial Day. The following are the top seven museums to visit in Kigali.

1. Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre

Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre is one of the most famous museums in Kigali

Starting on April 7, 1994, the Hutu troops killed about one million people in Rwanda. Most were Tutsis. This horror lasted around 100 days. To know more, you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. It has three rooms showing the Rwanda genocide and other grim events in Namibia, Armenia, Cambodia, and Europe.

The museum's job is to honor the lost lives and teach people to stop such events from happening again. It is also the last home for about 250,000 victims. They rest in large graves there. After a guided walk through the museum, you can show respect at the grave site and see the name wall close by. The memorial is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there is no fee to enter.

2. Campaign Against Genocide Museum

Sightseeing Campaign Against Genocide Museum for tourists

Kigali's Parliament Building holds the Campaign Against Genocide Museum. It's one of the top spots in Kigali, Rwanda. In December 1993, 600 troops came to the city to support a new unity plan from the Arusha Accords. They stayed there. But before the new government could start, the genocide began. The Tutsis had no protection as big nations chose not to help. 

Inside, you see displays and art that honor the troops. They stopped the genocide in July 1994 and saved many. Rwanda's leader, Paul Kagame, led these troops. In 2017, he opened the museum for them. You can visit the museum each day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is 4,500 francs, or about $5.

3. Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial Centre

Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial Centre is one of the museums to visit in Kigali

The Belgian Troops Memorial, or Camp Kigali Belgian Memorial, marks the death of 10 Belgian troops on April 7, 1994. They were with the UN to help Rwanda, but they died in the early days of the genocide. They were killed trying to keep the Rwandan Prime Minister, Agathe Uwilingiyimana, safe from rebels.

Uwilingiyimana, her spouse, and all the troops died in the attack. This led Belgium to pull its troops from Rwanda on April 12. Now, you can visit the old army base and see the building with bullet holes where they died. There are also 10 stone posts, one for each peacekeeper who died. Anyone in Kigali can see this place for free.

4. Kandt House Museum

Kandt House Museum is one of the famous museums in Kigali, Rwanda

The Kandt House Museum sits in the old home of Richard Kandt, who was the first governor when Rwanda was a colony. It shows Rwanda's past through three displays with old photos and stuff from long ago.

The first part talks about how folks lived in Rwanda before it was a colony. It shows what life was like in terms of how they lived, traded, and ruled. The next part looks at what happened when Rwanda was a colony. First, it was under Germany, then Belgium. This part is key because it shows how those in power used ethnic lines to control people, setting the stage for later tragedies.

The last section talks about the story of Kigali, Rwanda's capital since 1962. The museum is open each day from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening. It costs 14,000 francs, which is about 12 dollars for each person.

5. Ntarama Genocide Memorial Centre

Explore Ntarama Genocide Memorial Centre for tourists 

If you wish to see what happened after the genocide, go 50 minutes south of Kigali to Ntarama Church. On April 15, 1994, 5,000 Tutsi people went to the church to hide from those who wanted to hurt them, but they were killed in a brutal way. You can still see bent windows and parts of the wall where the Hutu fighters broke in. A wall shows human skulls and bones, and clothes with blood from those who died. For many, the church still brings fear and worry, and going there is a bad experience.

Still, the lovely grounds give a place to think. A wall of names stands as a personal memory of the few people known after the deaths. The church is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

6. Kigali Art Museum

Visit the Kigali Art Museum to see the creative collection in Rwanda

The Rwanda Art Museum lies to the east of the Kigali Airport. It's a well-known art spot in the town. Housed in the old house of the President, it's a place for modern art. You will see paintings, statues, pots, and more.

The museum has a set of art that stays all the time. This includes works by artists from Rwanda and other places. They also show new art now and then. Kids can have fun in the Art Kids' Studio, making things with their hands.

Parts of the old President's plane, shot down on April 6, 1994, can be seen on the grass here. This event led to a sad time in Rwanda. To go in, you pay 14,000 francs. The museum is open every day from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

FAQs About Museums in Kigali, Rwanda

Are there museums in Kigali that focus on art and culture?

Yes, Kigali offers several spaces dedicated to art and culture:

• Rwanda Art Museum features contemporary Rwandan and African art.
• Inema Arts Center is not a traditional museum but an art space that showcases the work of local artists and promotes cultural creativity in Rwanda.

Is photography allowed in Kigali’s museums?

Photography policies vary depending on the museum. For instance:

• At the Kigali Genocide Memorial, photography is generally not allowed inside the exhibition areas to maintain a respectful atmosphere.
• Other museums, like the Rwanda Art Museum, may allow photography in certain areas. It’s advisable to ask museum staff before taking pictures.

What are the operating hours of Kigali’s museums?

Most museums in Kigali are open daily, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, hours may vary on public holidays or special occasions, so it’s a good idea to confirm operating hours in advance.

How much do museum entry fees cost in Kigali?

Entry fees vary by museum:

• The Kigali Genocide Memorial has a suggested donation rather than a fixed fee.
• Other museums, like the Rwanda Art Museum, charge modest admission fees, often with discounts for Rwandan citizens and students.

Are guided tours available at Kigali’s museums?

Yes, most museums in Kigali offer guided tours:

• The Kigali Genocide Memorial provides guided tours led by knowledgeable staff, helping visitors gain deeper insights into the exhibits.
• Other museums, such as the Rwanda Art Museum, may also have guides or audio tours available upon request.

Are museums in Kigali family-friendly?

Most museums in Kigali welcome families, but the nature of the content varies:

• The Kigali Genocide Memorial, while educational, contains sensitive material that may not be suitable for younger children.
• Museums like the Rwanda Art Museum and Kandt House Museum offer more general and family-friendly exhibits.

Are there gift shops or cafes at Kigali’s museums?

Some museums, such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, have gift shops where you can purchase books, crafts, and souvenirs. Cafes or refreshment areas may also be available, depending on the museum.

Planning your journey to learn the history of Rwanda in the best museums in Kigali

When embarking on a journey to Rwanda to delve into its rich history, it is essential to plan ahead and make the most of your visit by applying for a Rwanda e-visa through Rwanda Immigration Services. This streamlined process allows travelers to conveniently obtain their visas online, ensuring a smooth entry into the country and facilitating their exploration of the best museums in Kigali. 

These museums serve as gateways to Rwanda's past, offering a profound understanding of its history and cultural heritage. From the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide, to the Presidential Palace Museum, providing insights into Rwanda's political history, and the Rwanda Art Museum, which celebrates the country's vibrant art scene, these museums offer invaluable opportunities for learning and reflection. 

By planning your journey and securing your Rwanda e-visa, you can fully immerse yourself in the captivating stories and experiences that await in the best museums of Kigali, gaining a deeper appreciation for Rwanda's past and its journey towards healing, reconciliation, and progress.

 

When you plan a trip to Rwanda to learn about its past, it's smart to get ready and make the most of it. Get a Rwanda e-visa through Rwanda Immigration Services. This easy way lets visitors get their visas online. It makes entering the country smooth and helps you explore the top museums in Kigali.

These museums open doors to Rwanda's past. They give a deep look into its history and culture. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which honors those lost in the 1994 genocide. See the Presidential Palace Museum to learn about Rwanda's leaders and history. The Rwanda Art Museum shows off the country's lively art. These places give great chances to learn and think.

Plan your trip. Get your Rwanda e-visa. See the best sights in Kigali. Hear tales that draw you in. Gain new respect for Rwanda's past and how it moves to heal, make peace, and grow.