Attraction
Kigali Genocide Memorial
The national memorial at Gisozi where more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are buried, with permanent exhibitions and memorial gardens.
Inema Arts Center
A two-storey contemporary art gallery and creative hub in Kacyiru, founded in 2012 by artist brothers, with exhibitions, workshops, classes and a café.
At a glance
- Type
- Contemporary art gallery
- Area
- Kacyiru, Kigali, Rwanda
- Official site
- inemaartcenter.com
Good to know
- Gallery
- Café
- Art workshops
- Yoga and dance classes
- Artist residency
Why we recommend it
Inema Arts Center was founded in 2012 by two brothers, Innocent Nkurunziza and Emmanuel Nkuranga, and has grown into one of the best-known places to see contemporary Rwandan art. It occupies a two-storey building in Kacyiru that was once an ambassador's residence, and National Geographic Traveller noted in 2026 that it shows the work of around ten resident artists alongside a collection that includes old Congolese masks.
The gallery is the main draw. Paintings, sculpture and mixed-media work fill both floors and spill out into the garden, and the styles range from bold colour and abstraction to work rooted in Rwandan imagery. Because the artists work on site, you may see pieces in progress, and most work on the walls is for sale if something catches your eye.
Inema is also a working creative hub rather than a quiet museum. It runs painting sessions, cultural workshops and guided tours, as well as yoga and dance classes, events and a residency space for visiting artists. There are creative courses for adults and education programmes for schools, which makes it a good choice for families or for travellers who want to try something hands-on rather than just look.
The centre says it is open daily but does not publish set hours on its homepage, so contact it before making a special trip, particularly if you want to join a class or workshop. A café on site means you can stay for a coffee in the garden after looking round. Most people spend around an hour here, longer if they take part in an activity.
For travellers who want to understand Kigali's art scene beyond a single visit, Inema is also useful for its programme: events, memberships and family activities run through the year, and the centre is set up for accessibility as well as for school groups, so it is worth checking what is on during your stay before you go.
Kacyiru is the government and administrative quarter east of the city centre, a short taxi or moto ride from most hotels. Inema fits easily into a day with Kimihurura's restaurants and the Kigali Convention Centre, and anyone interested in the city's art scene can continue to Niyo Arts Center for a second perspective.
Inema Arts Center FAQs
Who founded Inema Arts Center?
Brothers Innocent Nkurunziza and Emmanuel Nkuranga founded it in 2012.
Where is it?
At KG 563 Street in Kacyiru, Kigali.
Is it open every day?
The centre says it is open daily but does not list exact hours online, so call ahead.
Can I buy art there?
Yes, much of the work exhibited by the resident artists is for sale.
Are there classes or workshops?
Yes, including painting sessions, cultural workshops, yoga and dance classes and courses for adults.
Is there a café?
Yes, there is a café on site.
How do I contact Inema?
Phone +250 788 595 545 or email [email protected].