The Rwanda Art Museum is located in Kanombe, 4 kilometers from Kigali International Airport. This place was once called the Presidential Palace Museum but was renamed the Rwanda Art Museum on 18th May 2018.
It was the home of the former president of Rwanda before his plane crashed, leading to his death, which played a big role in the 1994 Rwanda Genocide.
On 6th April 1994, the plane carrying the Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana and the Burundian President Cyprian Ntaryamira was shot down as it was landing in Kigali. The plane crashed into the president’s residence.
Pieces of the plane can still be seen at the site. Both presidents were Hutu, and this incident sparked the genocide between the Hutu and Tutsi, where people killed each other in what became the most brutal massacre in Rwanda’s history. Over 1,000,000 Rwandans were killed in just one month.
The late President Habyarimana wanted a luxurious house and hired a French architect to design it. The house was built between 1976 and 1980.
It turned out to be very large, with many rooms, including secret routes leading to torture chambers for those who disobeyed him.
There was also a room where he practiced witchcraft and traditional African beliefs.
The house is very strange, with some rooms looking perfectly fine and others in very poor condition, yet all are under the same roof.
Outside, areas like the tennis court, swimming pool, and gardens are well-maintained, with beautiful flowers and trees.
There is also the remains of a concrete pond that once housed a 300-pound python, the president’s favorite pet.
The snake was believed to protect the house from evil spirits and scare unwanted visitors. The pond was destroyed by the crashing plane, and the snake disappeared. It has never been seen again.
Most of the art displayed at the museum was created by Rwandan artists, while some pieces were contributed by international artists.
This museum focuses on showcasing the creativity of Rwanda and how it has evolved through the years, from traditional to modern times. It blends traditional and modern art in its collections.
The Rwanda Art Museum is one of the eight museums that make up the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda. In addition to permanent art collections, the museum also hosts temporary art exhibitions.
The museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on 7th April when it is closed, and on Umuganda days (the last Saturday of every month), when it opens from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Entrance fees are Rwf 6,000 for non-residents and less for Rwandan residents. Taking photos inside the building is not allowed unless you pay an extra fee of Rwf 2,000. However, visitors can take photos outside for free.
A full tour of the building takes about 2 hours. Tours are guided, and the guides explain everything and answer questions.
Visiting the museum provides insight into how the 1994 genocide started and allows visitors to see the remains of that tragic time.
There is much to learn, giving visitors a deep story to reflect on and share. This memorial site preserves one of Rwanda’s most painful memories.
Activities at the Rwanda Art Museum
- Art Exhibitions: Temporary art exhibitions are held alongside the permanent art collections. These events allow artists to meet and exchange ideas. The Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) provides a special space for artists to showcase their work.
- Art Kid’s Studio: Young visitors to the museum are given a chance to express their creativity. Children enjoy painting artworks inspired by their own imagination, making this a fun and educational activity for them.
