KinyarwandaHaving worked in Nyanza District for some time on a number of heritage and tourism related projects, I have become familiar with the Kings’ Palace Museum, as well as its place in the historic town. In this article I set out the historical significance of the site, and why I feel every visitor to Rwanda should consider visiting Nyanza; even if you only have a passing interest in history. As an insider in the heritage industry, I offer some tips for your visit to ensure a memorable experience.
- David Nkusi
- Last Checked and/or Updated 9 July 2024
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- Rwanda
The Kings’ Palace Museum sits on top of one of the hills that make up the scenic town of Nyanza in Rwanda’s South Province. What had long been an important town historically, also served as the Royal residence during the Kingdom of Rwanda. The Royal palaces have been restored and together are now amongst the nation’s most important cultural sites. Officially launched in 2008, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into Rwanda’s monarchical period from the 15th century to 1961. With a chance to see traditional and colonial architecture, as well as enjoying cultural performances.Â
Brief History of Rwanda's Monarchy & the Kings' Palace
Traditionally the royal court of Rwanda was itinerant, moving from one location to another. Due to the increasing colonial presence, in 1899 King Yuhi V Musinga took the decision to settle his court permanently in one place. His reason being a mobile court risked not being taken seriously by the colonists. Musinga chose Nyanza. Not only was it already a large settlement by the end of the 19th century, but oral traditions testified to the town’s historical significance – a site of many battles. During his reign, the royal court in Nyanza became the home of artistic and intellectual activities and was also a place of economic exchange.
When the Belgians took over control of Rwanda following Germany’s defeat in World War I, the new administration deposed Musinga in 1931 because he was supposed to have remained in contact with German agents. The real reason is probably more complex. Musinga was not liked by the Belgian administration, in part because he refused to be baptised a Roman Catholic, and was thought of as a hindrance to the colonial administration’s agenda.
Four days after being deposed, Musinga’s son became king, Mutara III Rudahigwa. Since at least 1929, Rudahigwa had been groomed to take over his father. In 1932 the Belgians had a modern palace built for him in Art Deco style, metres away from where he had been born in the traditional royal palace. In 1943, Rudahigwa was baptised and declared Rwanda a Christian state. Rudahigwa died in July 1959 under mysterious circumstances, and many conflicting accounts. Because he had no heirs, Rudahigwa was succeeded by his half brother King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, in a move that surprised everyone, including the new king.
This was a time of heightened political instability and tribal conflict, and the new monarch was not welcomed by all but rather seen as an opportunity to further revolutionary aims. In July 1960 Kigeli V sought refuge in Congo. On 28 January 1961, the Rwandan monarchy was overthrown following a Belgian-backed coup d’état. In September a referendum, in which citizens were asked whether they wanted the monarchy to be retained after independence and whether Kigeli V should remain king. With a huge turnout, and an overwhelming majority, the answer to both questions was no. Kigeli was deported to Tanzania but accepted political asylum in the United States of America, where he died on 16 October 2016. His body was returned to Rwanda and he was buried in Nyanza on 15 January 2017.
What is there to see at the Kings' Palace Museum
Three main sections make up the museum, all accessible to the public and included on the same ticket. These are: the replica of a traditional royal palace , the modern art deco palace, and the long-horned royal cows known as Inyambo.
A route through the complex has been set out for visitors to follow. Starting from the reception area, visitors are directed first to the replica of the traditional royal palace, then the Inyambo cattle enclosure, and finally to the modern palace. You are welcome to explore the museum on your own or with a guide. Most tours take between an hour and an hour and a half. Â
Replica of the Traditional Royal Palace
From the reception area where you buy tickets to enter the museum, visitors are guided to the replica of a traditional royal palace. The impressive, enormous structure was made entirely using traditional materials and techniques used in the late 19th century when the original palace was built here by King Yuhi V Musinga. What you see was only a small part of the original complex, and includes the beehive-shaped thatched huts used for beer and milk production.Â
Inyambo Cattle Herd
Behind the replica thatched palace complex is the royal cattle enclosure. Here long-horned cows, said to be descended from the king’s herd of the 1950s, are kept. Known as Inyambo, their breeding and grooming has been carried out by the Rwanda Agriculture Board since being re-introduced to the Kings’ Palace Museum in 2011. Their trainers also keep alive historic traditions, such as decorating them with jewellery and training the animals to listen to their songs and poetry to take part in parades, as was done during royal ceremonies decades ago.Â
Modern Art Deco Palace
Built in 1932, the art deco style building served as royal residence for King Mutara III Rudahigwa until his death in 1959. In 2006, the former palace was transformed into a museum, with an exhibition on the monarchical period of the Kingdom of Rwanda from the 15th to the 20th century. Much of the palace has been left as it was when the king lived here. Visitors can see objects and artefacts relating to his official duties as well as those of his family and their daily activities. Some pieces of furniture were lost during the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, but replicas have replaced some of these original artefacts. Informative labels help visitors interpret the objects in the display cases, and appreciate the significance.Â
Photography is not permitted inside the building.
Mwima Mausoleum
Included in the ticket for the Kings’ Palace Museum is entry to the Mwima Mausoleum. Less than a kilometre from the museum, and an easy walk, is the final resting place for King Mutara III Rudahigwa and his wife Queen Rosalie Gicanda. It was here that Kigeli V Ndahindurwa was laid to rest when his body was returned to Rwanda following his death in exile in 2016.
The museum and the mausoleum are included on the Royal Tour of Nyanza.
Tips for Visiting the Palace
Although it is possible to explore the different sections of the museum at your own pace, I strongly recommend taking advantage of a guided tour. Given the complex history of the site, having a trained and knowledgeable guide point out the different features and explain the historical and/or cultural significance is a rewarding experience. Guided tours are available to all visitors, at no extra cost, and can be booked at the reception on arrival. A guided tour lasts around an hour and a half.
Tickets can be bought online in advance, or on the day at the reception (using cash). The Rwandan government’s website allows visitors to buy their tickets in advance, online: available in English, French and Kinyarwanda. This service can be used for other museums and heritage sites in Rwanda. The following is a useful support page detailing how to schedule a museum visit, in English.
Besides including entry to the Mausoleum, a ticket to the Kings’ Palace Museum can be further combined with two other museums in the Southern Province. They are the Rwesero Kwigira Museum in the Nyanza District and the Ethnographic Museum in nearby Huye District (formerly Butare).
It is necessary to request some of the activities at the reception on your arrival. These include sorghum grinding, milking and traditional dance. Other activities, such as the cattle poem recitals, are performed at the time of your visit to the cattle enclosure.
Photography is permitted in most areas of the museum, but be aware of signs indicating restricted areas, particularly in areas of the modern palace. The traditional thatched palace and the Inyambo cattle provide popular photo opportunities.
At the end of your visit, be sure to check out the gift shop, with its range of locally produced souvenirs, and enjoy a refreshment and light snack in the cafe.
Add the Kings' Palace Museum to Your Itineraries & Travel Lists
If you are already planning your Rwanda itinerary you can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and an itinerary for your These can also be shared with your friends and on social media. You can see how this is done by watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube, or reading the Using the Itinerary page.
For further information and details of more sites and museums to visit, see our Rwanda Travel Guide.
While the Kings’ Palace Museum offers a captivating glimpse into Rwanda’s royal legacy, it is just one of the region’s many cultural attractions. For more about what is on offer in the area, read my article Exploring the Nyanza District.Â
Kings' Palace Museum
Nyanza has a long history, but most recently as the site of the King’s residence until 1962 when Rwanda ceased to be a monarchy. Today the site is a museum, where visitors get a guided tour of the traditional houses occupied by the king and his court. The beehive shaped thatched houses have been faithfully reconstructed to give an idea of what the royal compound was like before the king moved into a more modern styled residence in 1932. Visitors also get to see the famous long-horned Inyambo cattle, which are descended from the king’s herd.
Archaeology Travel Writer
