Ethnographic Museum (Huye)
At a glance
| District | Huye, Southern Province |
|---|---|
| Opened | 18 September 1989, as the National Museum of Rwanda |
| Collection | More than 10,000 ethnographic and archaeological artefacts |
| Run by | Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) |
Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy: Museums and heritage sites management division1
What is on show
The galleries show traditional objects with black-and-white photographs taken around 1900. They cover life in Rwanda before colonial rule and the country’s later development as a modern state. A ticket includes the exhibition and a craft session. The museum also has a virtual tour on its own website.1,2,3
Tickets and opening hours
| Visitor | Student, RWF | Adult, RWF |
|---|---|---|
| Rwandan or resident of Rwanda | 1,000 | 4,000 |
| African or resident of an African country | 4,000 | 8,000 |
| International visitor | 8,000 | 15,000 |
- Hours: every day from 9:00 to 17:00. On Umuganda days, the last Saturday of the month, the museums open at 12:00.
- Closed: 7 April, for the commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, and on 25 December and 1 January.
- Groups: groups of 30 or more visitors get a 20% discount.
- Payment: all tickets are paid through Irembo, online or with Irembo Pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Ethnographic Museum open?
On 18 September 1989, as the National Museum of Rwanda. It is the oldest of the eight national museums.
How much is a ticket to the Ethnographic Museum?
RWF 15,000 for an international adult, RWF 8,000 for an African adult and RWF 4,000 for a Rwandan or resident adult. Students pay less.
When is the Ethnographic Museum open?
Every day from 9:00 to 17:00, from 12:00 on the last Saturday of the month. It is closed on 7 April, 25 December and 1 January.
Sources
- Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy: Museums and heritage sites management division
- Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy: Visit the national museums (hours and admission fees)
- Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy: Ethnographic Museum virtual tour
Figures checked 10 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.
