The Kigali Genocide Memorial includes three permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. There is also a children’s memorial and an exhibition on the history of genocidal violence around the world. The Education Centre, Gardens, and Genocide Archive of Rwanda form part of a meaningful tribute to those who perished, and provide a powerful educational tool for visitors.
EXHIBITION 1
The first part of this exhibition gives an outline of Rwandan society before colonisation, including the unifying features and the harmony that existed before colonisation as well as a flavour of the hardships of everyday life.
EXHIBITION 2
The second exhibition is called ‘Wasted Lives’ because some of the massacres documented there have not been recognised as genocide by international law. The atrocities examined include Namibia, Cambodia and the Balkans as well as the Holocaust.
EXHIBITION 3
The Children’s Room is dedicated to the memory of children killed in the Genocide against the Tutsi. This section shows how a generation’s dreams were stolen by genocide and remembers the thousands of children and infants slaughtered by genocidaires.
To mark the 20th commemoration of the genocide, a 1,200 seat amphitheatre was constructed at the memorial. The amphitheatre hosts memorial events, educational workshops, dramatic performances, cultural and historical events and film screenings.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting place for more than 259,000 victims of the Genocide, as well as a place of solace for survivors and reflection for visitors
The memorial is home to two Aegis Trust social enterprises, which employ young Rwandans and support our mission of remembrance and learning.
The memorial hosts events and activities that support survivors of the Genocide and engage the community in learning about mass atrocity and peace building.
The library offers a full range of services including research assistance and space for researchers to study the material. A computer room is also available to use.
