The Rwanda Liberation Museum is found in North-east of Kigali. The museum sits right in the Northern district of Gicumbi district at Mulindi, about 80km away from Kigali. A visit to this liberation museum offers a deep insight into the Rwandan Liberation struggle which marked the end of 1994 Rwandan genocide between the Tutsis and Hutus. The struggle was led by Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) and Rwandan Patriotic Army between 1990 and 1994.
The National Liberation Museum is the best place to learn about untold stories of determination, courage, defiance and victory, heartbreaks etc. It is among the 8 (eight) best places in Rwanda where you can have a deep insight into the country’s unique history.
Rwanda Liberation Museum showcases numerous events that unfolded before, during and after the struggle. These can be seen in the visuals like texts and artefacts, not to miss among many are the objects of the bunker that protected the then chairman of high command, who currently serves as the President of Republic of Rwanda – H.E. Paul Kagame.
The other special objects include the Arusha Agreement, campaign against genocide, the RPA and RPF phones that they used to mobilize plus different initiatives. While on a tour at the museum, you will be amazed by the longstanding bunker which protected H.E. Paul Kagame plus other bunkers.
Location & how to access the museum.
The Rwanda Liberation Museum lies in the Northern Province of Gicumbi, and accessing it involves driving for 80km from the Northeast of Kigali at Mulindi sector / hill. Mulindi hill is where the RPF political head offices were located and the command center for RPF during the liberation war.
The Liberation Museum is open between 8:00am till 6:00pm, and it is normally closed on 7th April. During Umuganda days, it is closed from 11:00am to 6:00pm and this is on every last Saturday of the month. The Rwanda Liberation Museum features among the many sites that are recognized under the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda.
On arrival at the site, you will be briefed about the different circumstances that led to the creation of RPF in 1987 and as the result, the invasion of Rwanda 3 years later. You will then be led through the staircase into the door where you will explore a lot more about efforts that led to the end of the 1994 Rwandan genocide that claimed almost 800,000 lives.
More museums in Rwanda worth exploring.
Ethnographic museum.
This is found in Huye, about 132km south of Kigali. It is one of the 8 museums that are listed under the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda. Built in 1987, the ethnographic museum is home to one of the finest ethnographic collections in African continent – showcasing the country’s unique cultures.
King’s palace museum gallery.
This is located in Nyanza district, Southern Province and accessible 88km away from Kigali. The Rwanda Art Museum located in Kanombe 4km off the Kigali airport, campaign against the genocide museum located 800m behind Kigali conventional center route, 9 minutes’ drive from the airport. Museum of environment gallery, Museum of Rwesero and others.
