King's Palace MuseumOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
A place to experience life at the Royal Court
Located in Nyanza, South, the King's palace is a reconstruction of the traditional Royal residence opened in 2008 as a museum. The monarchy was mobile, moving the court to various locations.The last and permanent royal capital was established in Nyanza from 1898 until 1962.
What to see
Three huts at the site reveal royal life: one for audiences and gatherings, another for preparing and sharing milk and beer, and the third showcasing Mutara III's modern 1930s house and prized long-horned cows.
KambereOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Main hut: Kambere
A replica of King Musinga's hut.
Milk shelf (2)Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
The milk house
Reserved for royal milk, this hut housed virgin girls: daughters with no blemishes, chosen to safeguard purity for the court.
Beer Calabash (9)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Beer house
Dedicated to royal beer production, this house served as the hub for preparing and storing the brew used in evening gatherings known as Ibitaramo. It was entrusted to the care of carefully chosen attendants, who were male virgin.
Rukali by National Museum of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Modern house of King Mutara III Rudahigwa
Built in 1932, home to King Mutara III Rudahigwa (1931-1959) and Queen Rosalie Gicanda, the modern house holds an exhibition that displays the Rwandan history from the 15th century and offers a detailed overview of the Rwandan monarchical system and its abolition in early 1960s.
Inyambo: The parade of long-horned cows
Accompanied by pastoral poems, the inyambo parade is one of the main attractions for visitors to the site.
Mwima Mausoleum by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Mwima Mausoleum
Next to Rukari in the neighboring hill of Mwima, there is a mausoleum where King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Queen Rosalie Gicanda and the last King of Rwanda, Kigeri V Ndahindurwa are laid to rest.
Content development: Chantal Umuhoza, Andre Ntagwabira, Yvette Tuyishime, Jerome Krangwa
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
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