One starts by going through a gallery of photos and videos which describe the historical overview and events in the lead up to 1994 genocide. After which, you enter rooms dedicated to the display of photos, clothing, bones of those who perished. There is room honoring the slaughtered children. On the second floor, there is a room that provides context of the genocides that happened in other parts of the world such as Germany and Cambodia. The third floor is devoted for counselling. Within the compound you will find a burial ground, a memorial flame, a theatre, a library, cafe and gift shop. With support from Aegis, a Peace Schools has been established in the memorial ground. Entrance is free. You have to pay USD 20 if you want to take photos. You can also rent a audio equipment. There are some parking spaces available for free. You need at least two hours to cover the area.if you plan to visit other memorials outside of Kigali, I advise you to go to the Genocide Museum in Kigali first as it gives the history and context. The memorials outside of Kigali are more raw and authentic. You must visit one of those; the nearest being Nyamata Church Memorial.
How can you give a genocide museum 5 stars? Because turning away is worse. For those of us of a certain age it's hard to imagine this happened in our lifetime. Or Liberia, Mozambique, the Sudan, Mobutu...oh yeah, Bosnia.
Very moving. The children's room will make you cry. Frustrating as it was so easy in retrospect to see coming and so (In hindsight) preventable.
Interesting to see Kigames pictures and then tour the country. Lovely place, lovely people. Anywhere else in Africa covets their roads. And yet, Do you see the future and a place far removed from the horror of only 24 years ago? Or Singapore?
A must in Kigali. Very useful if you don't know the history of genocide. Could be harsh, very harsh. It's important and necessary to go there.
The set is not always, not in every room, well done. But generally speaking is very well thought
The memorial is well presented, educational and respectful. The audio tour is helpful and available in many languages. This is a mass grave site with 250k victims buried here and the history is an important lesson with emphasis placed on ensuring this never happens again. This should be a part of any itinerary when visiting Rwanda.
Is always sad to hear about this great killing of people leaving family with tears after loosing their loved ones. But also I like fact that the process of reconciliation have going on since then to-date. Moreover how the pictures, videos, remains of close to everything that was found is kept in good condition, way and in their origin shapes.
May God bless all who are doing this great work.
A very touching memorial. Really nice but poorly signed. I wasn't sure where I was supposed to go next. Sobering experience and great information.
A very important place to visit. I started to walk around on the outside, sitting down in the gardens, reading the unfinished list of names on the wall, seeing the mass graves of 250.000 people.
I hope those who manage the budget, will put more on maintenance so all toilets have water, the garden get cleaned, etc. (This is why I lower this from 5* to 4*)
The museum is very good, explaining a lot about the genocide - not only in Rwanda, but also other major genocides. For me it created a desire to learn more...
Great Memorial. Very informative. Very humbling. Very sad. Reality check.
A must when in Kigali.
I had 8 hours flight transit in Kigali and I took the opportunity to visit this place. The place is secured. Very silent and cool place. Memories, stories of the genocide. Very emotion place. May God Rest Their Soul in Eternal Peace. There is an audio digital device i was given with the map of the place. Very informative. It is worth a visit this place if your in Kigali. If you will take a cab from airport and stay not long than 2 hours driver will wait for you without extra charge. It was unbelievable or I guess i was lucky.
They have done a lot. We appreciate more things we learn there. It's very organized.
Surreal. Vivid. Deeply touching. Emotional.
That describes my experience at the memorial. Inside the well kept compound, you get immersed in the largely unspoken history and experiences of the people of Rwanda. If peace and quiet is all you want, the gardens give you that. Plus the café is also a great place to hang out.
A humbling experience. It gave me an insight into what went on in '94 that I couldn't read in books. The staff are amazing too, especially since some were personally affected by the Genocide. It's the greatest honour for the victims, to know they are remembered every day, and that they are missed.
Thoughtful and factual exhibition on the tragic recent past of Rwanda. Essential viewing to understand present-day Rwanda. Top of the list of things to do in Kigali - on Day 1 of your visit. Good audio guide in a variety of languages.
Sobering. Honest. Detailed. I spent a good deal of time looking at the walls filled with photos of those who died. The children's room was overwhelming. The Peace Room brought some closure to the experience. I appreciated that space was also dedicated to other genocides in history - it helps remind us that this was not an isolated incident, the victims were not alone, and survivors must work diligently to forestall future genocides. A valuable experience at the beginning of our trip that helped us understand a little bit of the history that has shaped this culture.
A beautiful tribute to those who were killed during this atrocity and a sobering reminder of what can happen when all we do is divide ourselves based on petty differences.
Getting the audio tour for $15 is completely worth it and make sure you see both the museum, the second area talking about the past genocides in the world and spend some time in the garden.
This is the one place you must see if you come to Kigali.
A incredibly moving sombre experience. A reminder on how insidious hate can be and how a journey to recover is possible. There were harrowing exhibitions on the hate campaigns building up to the genocide, and the terrible fate of so many innocents. This is a must see for anyone visting Kigali. Never mind the gorillas. The grounds are so beautiful and there is the amazing amphitheatre space. Please make sure you make a donation and also pick up something in the gift shop. We had a lovely meal in the cafe.
It was a moving experience, and disturbing to learn that genocides don't happen, they are planned, people are convinced by propaganda, trained to kill and motivate killing.
A good place to visit. They have narration devices but without headphones so you need to hold it up to your ear like a phone all the time. Bring your own headphone. But you can also do without the device the displays are well explained. Entry is free, you can make a donation though and are free to also choose from a number of causes to donate to.
Very informative. Respectful and sensitive exhibits. Multilingual tours offered. Each time I've been I have been touched and moved with emotion. I also appreciate the hall given to recognize other genocides in other parts of the world.
A truly moving experience. Everyone that visits Rwanda should go there and try to understand what happened. To remember and do their part in the world that such things should never, never happen again.
A wonderful memorial that does a great job of Exposition and teaching how such an atrocity can come to be. The exhibit on other genocides was also extremely moving.
The exhibits are exceedingly well done. It is impossible not to be moved by the personal accounts of the genocide, and the evidence-based photos, timelines, and news excerpts. It is overwhelming at times, but balanced in view. The museum focuses on the path forward through healing and spends little time assigning blame. Visitors to Rwanda should seriously consider starting their tour with a visit to the memorial. The stories shared help set a context for Rwandan culture and history.
This is a must visit if you're in Kigali. Guaranteed you will be triggered and will appreciate what Rwanda has been through and how far it has come. Perhaps this is what the world needs to see to bring an end to the killings all over. Free WiFi and free entry as well, and a very eduative place about the Rwanda Genocide and other genocides as well.
The knowledge acquired after my visit to the memorial has been unlike anything else. Seeing and hearing testimonies brought me to a higher level of understanding for this truly atrocious event. We could and should have done more.
This will be one of the most moving experiences of your entire life. I'm extremely proud and grateful to have been part of the initial construction of this Memorial.
It's continually evolving, new areas are being added and it's peace building education programme expanded.
While there, I would encourage donations, as this is the only way the center can continue to evolve and run.
A nice memorable place that gives a deepest sympathy of our beloved brothers and sisters who lost their innocent lives for the sake of tribalism
Very silent & cool place. Memories, stories of the genocide. Very emotion place. May God Rest Their Soul in Internal Peace.
A site with deep emotions. It is a burial ground of over 250,000 people who died during the Hutu-Tutsi war in Rwanda. Skulls, bones, clothes and pictures of the deceased are displayed at the museum.
One of the most emotional and moving museums you will ever visit and an unbeatable introduction to Rwanda. A must visit!
A Memorial Site that has been preciously preserved for History and Educational Purposes. The staff and very supportive, the place offers translation aids and guides on request. Please help preserve this place by making a donation at the box during exit.