It’s difficult to believe that only a few decades ago, Rwanda was in the midst of a horrific genocide that claimed the lives of over 800,000 people in just 100 days. Although the country has come a long way since the atrocity, the impact of this recent history has left an indelible mark on the lives of ordinary people and future generations.
At the Kigali Genocide Memorial, visitors can learn about this horrific event. The eerie museum delves into the events leading up to the 1994 genocide, bringing the horrors to life through photo galleries, artifacts, and information. The main exhibit hall features stained-glass windows that cast a hopeful glow on the space and wraps around poignant sculptures.
Another permanent exhibit at the museum focuses on the history of genocide around the world and international intervention efforts, which helps to put the Rwandan genocide into context.
The museum also includes an emotional Children’s Room dedicated to the genocide’s youngest victims. Oversize portraits of the children, some of whom were just infants when they were killed, and personal details about the victims, such as their nicknames and favorite books, help to keep their memory alive.
Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, while heartbreaking, is an important part of being a responsible tourist in Rwanda. Allow yourself time to reflect on the experience and pause for a moment of silence in honor of the 250,000 victims buried in the memorial’s Gardens of Reflection.
