We all have a little artist in us. Maybe your inner artist comes out in the way you pose your food in the restaurant before you snap a quick instagram photo. In your children, maybe the artist in them shines through the numerous drawings that you have up on your fridge and sometimes on your walls too. Others may express art through words, dances, or the songs we love to sing along with.

No matter what type of artist that you are, it is important to take the time to appreciate your local art community. Local art museums and galleries are great ways to teach your family about Rwandan culture both past and present. Check out some of our favorite Kigali art galleries and museums to visit below!

Azizi Life Kids’ Craft Experience

Aziz's life is open anytime to choose from one of their fun ready-made projects! They give you a kit to create a crafted item to take home with you. With projects for kids and adults, a Studio Drop-In is a great activity for families, groups of friends, or even a date!

Email: info@azizilife.com
Website: http://www.azizilife.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azizilife

Phone: 0785781146

Rwanda Art Museum

You may remember visiting the Presidential Palace, the palace of former president Habyarimana. Well as of May 2018, the Presidential Palace has become the Rwanda Art Museum, the country’s first contemporary art museum. The museum features collections of sculptures, pictures, and mixed media artwork. Tickets to the museum are 6000 RWF. Tickets allow you to participate on a guided tour and see the house and grounds of the Presidential Palace.

Along with the museum, there is a free Kids Studio where your children can channel their inner contemporary artists and create their own piece of artwork to take home. Rwanda Art Museum is located kilometers from the national airport.

Ivuka Arts offers a chance to see beautiful art and beautiful views of Kigali. Every part of this gallery is its own work of art, so it is easily to want to spend hours admiring the colorful murals and sculptures that cover its wall and sidewalks. The art center brings together artists from all around Rwanda. On most days, guests visiting the gallery can also see the artists hard at work in their workshop, which is located right next door. Ivuka Arts also occasionally offers classes for kids.

Want to go to lunch afterwards? Casa Keva, a local spanish restaurant, and Inkoko Rotisserie are just around the corner and perfect for families!

Art with a Mission!

These next two galleries use art as a way to give back to Kigali!

Inema Arts Center

Photo from Inema Arts Center

Inema Arts Center brings together the art of dancing, painting, and poetry all in one gallery! Inema Arts Center features art from local Rwandan artists include local orphans who are taught at art classes at Inema Arts Center. Proceeds from their artwork support the continuation of the art classes. Women are also empowered through this organization by their Women’s Workshop. A small group of women make and sell linen, handbags, and other crafts.

Want to get involved with Inema Arts Center? They offer community workshops for painting, dancing, and crafting classes throughout the month. You can also check out Art Jam on the Last Saturday of every month! It is a night of music, food, and artwork!

Photos from Inema Arts Center and Trip Advisor.

NIYO Art Gallery

Photo from the NIYO Foundation

The NIYO Foundation and Art Gallery supports 122 local children by providing school fees and supplies and supporting rural medical care. The NIYO foundation also teaches them the art of dancing, drumming, and painting! The children perform every last Friday of the month at 6:30 at the NIYO Foundation’s Cultural Exchange night! It is a night of art, community, and delicious BBQ!