Nyamata Genocide Memorial Site
About This Museum
You find it just a short drive south of Kigali, a simple brick church sitting quietly under the Rwandan sun. Stepping inside, the air changes; the altar cloths are still stained, and bullet holes mark the walls where over 10,000 people sought refuge. It's a profoundly heavy place, where personal belongings—shoes, clothing—are left exactly as they were, making the scale of 1994 feel heartbreakingly intimate. It’s not an easy visit, but it’s an essential one for understanding Rwanda's past and its journey toward healing.
Collection Highlights
The mass graves you can enter, the blood-stained altar cloths, and the thousands of garments belonging to victims that cover the pews.
Visitor Information
It's best to hire a driver from Kigali for the trip. Dress respectfully, and I'd really recommend getting a guide here—their personal stories add a crucial layer of understanding you'd otherwise miss.
Architecture & Building
A modest, unassuming red-brick church with a simple cross on top; its ordinary appearance makes the history inside even more powerful.
Contact & Location
Address: Nyamata, Bugesera District, Iburasirasuba, Rwanda
Phone: +250 788 556 065
