Rwanda Museum visit to go digital

By Elias Hakizimana.

Visitors to the Rwanda Museum will start to use a digital platform to access different cultural and historical heritages. The move will start soon after the finalization of the platform according to Chantal Umuhoza, Museum Curator at Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy.

Starting in January 2024, visitors can access the museum’s cultural and historical offerings through an online platform. This initiative aims to cater to individuals unable to visit physically and to provide an inclusive experience for people with disabilities.

Chantal Umuhoza, the Museum Curator at Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, announced this development during a meeting on the implementation of the UNESCO International Convention on Intangible Heritage on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

The meeting was organized by Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO (CNRU) in partnership with

The digital platform will have specific provisions for persons with disabilities, ensuring their seamless interaction with the museum’s content. There will be a focus on accessibility and inclusivity.

The platform will be available in multiple languages—English, French, and Rwandan. It’ll allow users to explore the museum through videos on the designated website using their phones or computers.

A part of the platform will incorporate VR technology. This will offer a more immersive experience, enabling users to tour the museum as if they were physically present, enhancing their engagement with the exhibits.

Initially planned for the Huye Palace, the VR technology will eventually extend to other palaces, enabling users to virtually visit different sites, and sparking interest in physical visits.

Users will create profiles on the platform and may be prompted for payment to access certain features or continue their virtual tour, replicating the structure of in-person ticketing.

Presently, the physical visit to the National Museum of Rwanda has different pricing tiers for children (RWF700), adults, residents (RWF1,500), and non-residents foreigner (RWF6,000) and RWF 5,000 for a foreigner living in Rwanda, with occasional free entry on International Museum Day.

This digitalization initiative aims to increase access to Rwanda’s cultural heritage, making it more inclusive, convenient, and engaging for a broader audience both locally and internationally.

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com