Where Rwanda's
history and nature meet.
Explore Kigali’s colonial past, natural history and even a collection of live snakes, in the former home of the city’s founder.
Overview
Perched on Nyarugenge Hill, the Kandt House Museum sits in the very house once occupied by Richard Kandt, a German doctor and explorer who founded Kigali in 1907 and served as Rwanda’s first colonial resident. Kandt had earlier explored the region extensively, discovering one of the sources of the Nile in Nyungwe Forest before settling in Kigali — a history that still shapes the museum’s exhibits today.
Formerly known as the Natural History Museum, the building has told Rwanda’s story since 2006 and was renamed and reopened as the Kandt House Museum in December 2017. Today it’s one of eight museums under the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda, blending human history with natural science under one roof.
What You'll Experience
Pre-colonial & colonial history — Exhibits tracing Rwandan social, economic and political life before colonial rule, followed by Rwanda’s experience under German administration from 1884 to 1916.
The story of Kigali — A dedicated gallery following Kigali’s evolution before, during and after the colonial era, up to its designation as capital at independence in 1962.
Natural history exhibits — Displays on Rwanda’s geography and geology, alongside the flora and fauna of the country’s three main national parks — Volcanoes, Akagera and Nyungwe.
Live snake collection — A collection of live snakes, used to illustrate the connection between nature and history.
Panoramic views — Sweeping views over Mt. Kigali, Mt. Jali and Mt. Shyorongi, along with old Kigali city, from the museum grounds.