Two visitors browsing photo displays at a memorial center in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Written by: Anja Sterker Last updated at: April 8, 2025
Table of contents

    The Kigali Genocide Memorial is an important memorial and place of learning about the genocide committed against the Tutsi in Rwanda. It was officially opened on April 7th 2004, to mark the tenth commemoration of the 1994 genocide. The memorial is the final resting place for up to 259,000 victims of the genocide and serves, among other things, as a place where people can mourn their lost loved ones. It also serves as a museum where both local and international visitors can learn about the history, execution and consequences of the genocide.

    The memorial aims to prevent mass atrocities from occurring again through education. The centre conducts a number of educational programs, both on-site and in communities throughout Rwanda.

    The Kigali Genocide Memorial includes three permanent exhibits, the largest of which documents the 1994 Tutsi genocide. There is still a children's memorial and an exhibit on the history of genocidal violence around the world. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is open seven days a week.

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