Kigali Convention Centre
Kigali's city landmark: a dome inspired by the traditional royal palace roofs of Rwanda, with night-time lights that shift in colour, and a symbol of modern Rwanda.
The Kigali Convention Centre opened in 2016 in the Kimihurura district. It comprises a convention centre, a hotel (Radisson Blu) and office space. Its most striking feature is a spiralling dome about 40 m high, inspired by the thatched roofs of Rwanda's traditional royal palaces. At night, LED lights shift through many colours, making it Kigali's most photogenic landmark. It has hosted major international events, including African Union summits and the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Visitors usually admire and photograph the building from outside, and can also sit in the hotel restaurant or café. The interior is open only to a limited extent outside conference periods. Nearby, the parliament building houses the Campaign Against Genocide Museum (its outer walls retain bullet holes), which you can visit on the way. It is about 10 minutes by taxi from the city centre. Go before sunset to photograph the building at night, then have dinner in the nearby Kimihurura restaurant and bar area.
Opening hours
Exterior visible all day; interior open for events only
Nearby sights
- Campaign Against Genocide Museum
- Inema Arts Center
- Niyo Arts Gallery
- Caplaki Craft Village
- Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial (Camp Kigali)
- Sainte-Famille Church
- Nyamirambo & Green Mosque
- Kimironko Market