Contemporary art
in a house of history.
Rwandan and African art on display in the former Presidential Palace, a site that carries deep national significance.
Overview
Set in Kanombe, just a few kilometres from Kigali International Airport, the Rwanda Art Museum occupies a building with a complex history. Once the residence of former President Juvénal Habyarimana, the palace became a museum in 2009 and was renamed the Rwanda Art Museum in 2018, now showcasing contemporary paintings, sculpture, mixed media and ceramics from Rwandan and African artists.
The site carries significant historical weight. The president’s plane was shot down over the residence on 6 April 1994, an event widely regarded as the catalyst for the genocide against the Tutsi that followed. Wreckage from the aircraft remains in the garden today, preserved as part of the site’s heritage. Visitors often describe the experience as both an art visit and a sobering walk through a pivotal moment in Rwanda’s history.
What You'll Experience
Contemporary art galleries — Works from dozens of Rwandan and African artists, spanning painting, sculpture and mixed media, displayed throughout the former residence.
The presidential residence — Original rooms, furnishings and architectural details offering insight into the building’s past.
The garden & plane wreckage — The preserved remains of the presidential jet, left in place as a heritage site (photography restricted in some areas).
Rotating exhibitions & artist studio space — Temporary shows and a dedicated space where artists meet, exchange ideas and create.