Rwanda Art Museum

Welcome to the Rwanda Art Museum, a unique cultural destination in Kigali located just four kilometers east of Kigali Airport in the Nyarugunga sector of the Kicukiro district. Founded in 2009 and officially renamed in May 2018, this museum is housed within a 1970s villa that served as the residence of former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana until 1994. Originally opened as the Presidential Palace Museum, the site holds deep historical weight.

You should visit to explore Rwanda's modern cultural landscape while reflecting on its significant past. Inside, you will discover the country's largest collection of post-genocide artworks, featuring contemporary creations by both Rwandan and international artists across its permanent exhibition. The museum also hosts dynamic temporary and traveling exhibitions throughout the year.

Step out into the museum garden, and you will see the preserved remains of the plane shot down on April 6, 1994, an assassination that triggered the tragic genocide against the Tutsi. Today, the facility is operated by the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy. It offers you a profound experience that bridges poignant history with powerful contemporary artistic expression.

What to see at Rwanda Art Museum

• Housed in the former 1970s presidential villa of Juvénal Habyarimana
• Rwanda's largest collection of contemporary post-genocide artworks
• Dynamic temporary and traveling exhibitions from local and international artists
• Preserved remains of the 1994 presidential aircraft located in the museum garden

Visiting tips

Be sure to walk through the museum garden to view the historical remains of the presidential aircraft.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Rwanda Art Museum is easy to reach on Kigali’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Kigali Genocide Memorial and Bisesero Genocide Memorial. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kigali travel guide.