Rwanda on Thursday, May 18 joined the global community to celebrate International Museum Day. This year's theme, The role of museums in sustainable development, is being celebrated at the Natural Heritage Museum in Karongi district. ALSO READ: A closer look at Rwandan heritage that needs to be Repatriated As part of the celebrations, the cultural council has organized a series of activities, including campaigns in schools, visits to heritage sites, and symposiums on Rwanda's heritage. Ahead of the celebrations, Robert Masozera, the Director General of RCHA, highlighted the presence of permanent and temporary exhibitions in eight public museums, including the King's Palace, Rwesero Art Museum, National Museum, Kandt House Museum, Rwanda Art Museum, Campaign against Genocide Museum, Natural Heritage Museum, and National Liberation War History in Mulindi. ALSO READ: Cultural heritage body to unveil sounds, songs recorded during the colonial period Masozera also mentioned notable initiatives undertaken by the cultural council. These initiatives include a partnership with Google Art and cultural space to digitize Rwandan cultural assets, engagement with youth through the Rwanda Heritage Hub project, and the opening of temporary exhibitions at different museums. Despite these efforts, museums in Rwanda face several challenges. Masozera emphasized the need for improved technologies for conserving and displaying Rwandan heritage, greater engagement from private sectors, enhanced capacity of buildings, and the renovation of existing cultural heritage interpretation setups. To address these challenges, RHCA is collaborating closely with the public, particularly the youth, to preserve Rwandan cultural heritage and transform it into valuable products. ALSO READ: New Hub to stimulate youth interest in Rwanda’s cultural heritage Rwandan cultural heritage is widely promoted through television, radio, and various social platforms to attract visitors from around the world. By curating exhibitions that highlight traditional practices, folklore, and historical events, museums in Rwanda aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country's cultural legacy for both locals and international visitors.
