A quarter of the one million Rwandan Tutsis slaughtered during the genocide that ravaged the country in 1994 are buried on the grounds of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, including about 250 000 victims of the genocide of the Tutsi tribe. Through three ongoing exhibitions, this guided tour not only informs visitors about the horrors of the genocide but also acts as a moving memorial to those who died.

Explore the museum’s exhibits to learn about Rwanda’s contentious colonial past, which served as a prelude to the tragic genocide that lasted only 100 days. View the heartfelt video testimonies of the survivors and the evidence of the atrocities that were committed. A moving memorial to the young children who perished is made in one segment.

A moving reminder that such horrors must never occur again are life-size images that depict in great detail each victim’s favorite food, nicest toys, and final words.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a somber and depressing museum that includes enormous wall displays, historical papers, photographs, video footage, and glass-encased weapons.

Rose gardens that are peaceful and lovely, as well as cascading fountains, encircle the center, offering a refuge for those who need some time to reflect and collect themselves after their visit. Mass graves are calmly located in the garden and are protected by enormous concrete plates as a memorial to the deceased.

INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

It takes around one hour and thirty minutes to see the entire memorial. Depending on the number of people in your group, the visit can take longer.

Visitors are welcome to the Kigali Genocide Memorial every day of the year. However, there may be situations that call for the memorial to be temporarily closed (e.g security reasons for VIP visitors). All reservations are examined in the event of sudden closures, and clients or travel agencies are notified in advance to make other plans.

The memorial is open seven days a week, however owing to Umuganda, when all Rwandans gather to carry out community activity, the memorial is only open from 1 to 5 pm on the last Saturday of every month.

The Memorial Cafe serves refreshments. The cafe offers a variety of foods and beverages, and all earnings benefit the memorial’s operations.