Camp Kigali Memorial
Ville de Kigali
The Kigali Genocide Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where the remains of more than 250,000 people are respectfully interred. Located just outside central Kigali in Gisozi, the memorial serves both as a burial site and an educational center. It offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the genocide's causes, events, and aftermath through detailed exhibitions. The centre includes three permanent exhibitions: one documenting the genocide itself, a children’s memorial displaying life-sized photos and personal stories, and an exhibition on global genocidal violence. The memorial also features gardens, a national documentation center, and an education center, making it a place of remembrance and learning. Managed by the Aegis Trust on behalf of Rwanda’s National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide, it attracts thousands of visitors annually, including survivors and international guests. The memorial’s exhibits are enhanced by audiovisual testimonies and a guided audio tour that contextualizes Rwanda’s colonial history and the genocide’s tragic impact. This site is both a poignant reminder and a vital educational resource dedicated to preventing future atrocities.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and consider booking the audio tour in advance for deeper insight. The memorial offers respectful and educational visits suitable for students and travelers alike. Modest entrance fees apply, with possible discounts for groups and students. Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the exhibitions and memorial gardens.
Interesting facts
- •The memorial contains the remains of over 250,000 genocide victims buried in collective graves.
- •It includes a children’s memorial with personal stories and life-sized photos of child victims.
- •The centre compares the Rwandan genocide with other genocides worldwide, such as those in Germany, Japan, Cambodia, and Bosnia.
- •Audiovisual projects record survivor testimonies and the Gacaca court process, preserving crucial historical evidence.
- •The memorial is managed by the Aegis Trust on behalf of Rwanda’s National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide.
History
The Kigali Genocide Memorial was established following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, where an estimated 800,000 people were killed.
Construction began in 2000 by Kigali City Council with the support of the UK-based Aegis Trust, which helped develop the exhibitions and educational materials.
The memorial opened in 1999 and was officially inaugurated in April 2004 on the genocide's 10th anniversary.
It serves as one of six major genocide memorial centers across Rwanda, providing a place for survivors and families to bury victims and for the public to learn about the genocide and its broader historical context.
Place Guide
Permanent Exhibitions2000s
Three main exhibitions document the genocide, the history of Rwanda leading up to it, and genocidal violence worldwide. The genocide exhibition provides a detailed timeline and survivor testimonies, while the children’s memorial offers intimate stories of young victims.
Memorial Gardens1999
Peaceful gardens surrounding the memorial where victims are buried in mass graves, offering a place for reflection and remembrance.
National Documentation Centre
A resource center that archives documents, survivor testimonies, and research materials related to the genocide and its aftermath, supporting education and justice initiatives.
