Rwanda's Genocide Memorial Sites

Pay a tribute to the victims of Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Garden of memory - Nyanza.Kicukiro by Government of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

Genocide memorial sites in Rwanda

Across Rwanda, Genocide memorials stand as hallowed ground for countless victims, stark reminders of the horrors that shatter unity when faced with hatred. These sites are powerful lessons in building a future where diverse communities thrive in peace and harmony.

Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial by Government of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

Across Rwanda, more than 250 memorials commemorate the 1994 tragedy. 8 key sites, holding chilling objects and weapons, shed light on the extreme brutality inflicted on the Tutsi, serving as stark reminders for future generations.

Kigali Genocide Memorial by AEGISRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

Kigali Genocide Memorial site

Opened in 2004, the Kigali Genocide Memorial honors 250,000 victims while educating visitors about the genocide's planning and execution. Its powerful exhibits offer lessons in conflict prevention and building a brighter future free from hate.

Nyamata Genocide Memorial - Church by Government of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

Nyamata Genocide memorial site

The site represents other churches in which the victims of the genocide against the Tutsi were slaughtered. In 1994, this place once regarded holy and sacred become desecrated; over 45,000 people who had sought refuge in that holy place, were all brutally massacred in one day.

Ntarama Genocide Memorial, Government of Rwanda, From the collection of: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
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Ntarama Genocide Memorial - Church, Government of Rwanda, From the collection of: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
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Ntarama Genocide Memorial: The church of Ntarama was converted into a genocide memorial in 1995 and is dedicated to the 5,000 people who lost their lives there. It holds human remains, clothing, and artifacts belonging to those who were killed at the church.

Murambi Genocide Memorial by Genocide Archive of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

Murambi Memorial Site

Situated in a region marked by violence against the Tutsi since 1959, culminating in the 1994 genocide, this site offers a unique lens into the past. 

It commemorates victims through both preserved remains and historical exhibits, prompting reflection on conflict and loss.

Nyarubuye church, Government of Rwanda, From the collection of: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
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Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial, Government of Rwanda, From the collection of: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
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Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial:                                                                                                               The former Catholic church, nunnery and its accompanying school and buildings of the Benebikira Sisters are a reminder of the appalling violence that took place at this site during the Genocide against the Tutsi. More than 20,000 people were killed there on the 14th and 15th April 1994.

Bisesero Genocide Memorial site by Kwibuka RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

Bisesero Memorial Site

Bisesero, also known as the "Memorial of Resistance," honors the Tutsi who bravely defended themselves during the 1994 genocide. Its artistic and historical exhibits commemorate over 50,000 victims while urging reflection on resilience and resistance in the face of atrocity.

Nyange Genocide Memorial by MINUBUMWERwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

Nyange Memorial Site

Nyange Memorial stands as a somber reminder of the mass killings during the 1994 genocide. The site, where Tutsis sought refuge before being brutally attacked, offers a crucial lesson in conflict resolution and remembrance.

Rebero Genocide Memorial by Government of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

Rebero Genocide Memorial Site

In the wake of the 1994 genocide, this memorial commemorates both Tutsi and non-Tutsi political figures who were targeted or bravely opposed the atrocities. Their sacrifice shines a light on the fight for truth, justice, and a future free from such horrors.

Credits: Story

Content development: Yvette Tuyishime, 
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza 

Content editing: Chantal Umuhoza

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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