Museums are places to think, learn, and wonder. Rwanda has a number of museums where visitors can dive into the history and culture of Rwandans, while also exploring preserved social interests that attract both local and foreign tourists. ALSO READ: Sneak peek into new virtual reality tours in Rwandan museums In a bid to enhance cultural preservation and education, Rwandan museums adopted the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology to give both local and international visitors an opportunity to explore the country's history from anywhere in the world. The country has more than 530 heritage sites as per a research carried out in 2006 by Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA). In this article, The New Times presents eight top museums you should visit in the country. 1. The Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda Located in Huye District, Southern Province, the Ethnographic Museum, formerly known as the National Museum of Rwanda, houses ethnographic and archaeological collections with more than 10,000 artefacts. It features exhibitions of tradition that provide insight not only into pre-colonial lifestyles, but also Rwanda's later development as a modern African state. 2. Kings' Palace Museum The Kings' Palace Museum (Rukari) is located in Nyanza District. The place offers a detailed overview of the Rwandan monarchical system and its abolition in early 1960s due to colonialism. Previously a palace for Rwandan kings, it was restored to its 19th century state as a replica and was made entirely with traditional materials. From 2011, long horned royal cows (Inyambo) were introduced because cows form an integral part of Rwandan culture and were initially the King's symbol of prestige. 3. Kwigira Museum Kwigira Museum-Rwesero is located on Rwesero hill in Nyanza District. The museum building was originally built to serve as the new royal palace for King Mutara III Rudahigwa who unfortunately died before its inauguration. ALSO READ: A tribute to Mutara III Rudahigwa It hosts a permanent exhibition that is about home-grown initiatives and describes how Rwandan culture and history played a key role to deal with different problems in the country. 4. Rwanda Liberation Museum Located in Gicumbi District, Rwanda Liberation Museum's exhibition presents the struggle for liberation of Rwanda by the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF/RPA - Inkotanyi). Upon visiting the open-air museum, visitors will encounter the bunker used by the former RPA Chairman of High Command, Major General Paul Kagame now the President of Rwanda, as well as other structures that were used in the struggle for liberation. 5. Museum for Campaign Against Genocide The Museum for Campaign Against Genocide is located at the parliamentary building in Kigali. It presents how the genocide was stopped by former RPA. The parliament, formerly known as Conseil National de Development (CND), hosted RPF politicians and a 600-man protection force since December 28, 1993, in line with the implementation of the Arusha Agreement. The museum tells the story of RPA’s operations and its rescue efforts for civilians shortly after the genocide started in 1994. 6. Kandt House Museum The Kandt House Museum is named after Dr. Richard Kandt, the first German Resident of Rwanda. ALSO READ: Why Kandt House museum was revamped The museum provides an overview of Rwanda’s social, economic, and political systems during the German colonial period (1894 to 1918). It also traces the experiences of Rwandan people under colonial rule, as well as the foundation of Kigali as the colonial capital city. 7. Rwanda Art Museum Located in Kanombe, Kigali City, Rwanda Art Museum showcases a diverse collection of artworks donated by African artists and gathered through competitions, workshops, and festivals. The pieces reflect themes of reconciliation, tolerance, and peace. 8. Museum of Environment Situated along the shores of Lake Kivu, the Museum of Environment exhibits natural history collections and addresses critical environmental issues, encouraging community action. An outdoor garden of indigenous medicinal plants further enriches visitors’ experience.
