by Doreen Karungi
In an effort to support the protection of cultural heritage in Rwanda through the implementation of
digital technologies, Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy in collaboration with Global Digital Heritage has come
up with a project of using 3D technologies in digital documentation of museums.
This project was announced during a workshop conducted in Kigali on August 4, 2026, in which 17
museum professionals from various museums in the country were taught about 3D digitization
technologies. Through this technology, the authenticity of the cultural heritage of Rwanda will be
preserved and accessed by everyone via the internet.
Dr. Herbert Maschner, the President and Chief Scientist of Global Digital Heritage, said that the project was set up
to work with various institutions in protecting cultural heritage through digital technologies.
In his explanation, Dr. Maschner highlighted the fact that the 3D technology facilitates the construction
of an accurate replica of the museum objects, commonly referred to as “digital twin”. The replicas will
be safely stored and used for educational purposes, research and virtual tours as they enable individuals
to explore museums and cultural objects remotely from their physical locations.
Dr. Maschner pointed out that the mission of the organization is to empower the Rwandans with the
skills of using the technology independently. In the current initiative, the organization is giving the
equipment required for the sustainable digital preservation of the heritage. Among others, the
organization owns photogrammetry cameras and computers.
He also highlighted that the organization works in 22 different countries in the world including some
African countries, with Rwanda among its partner countries.
Ambassador Robert Masozera, Director General of the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, the mission of the
institution is to preserve the cultural heritage of Rwanda’s cultural heritage and has embraced digital
technology to strengthen the protection of cultural assets while making them accessible online.
The digitalization of museum collections has been made possible by the signing of an agreement
between Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy and Global Digital Heritage. It has started from the Huye museum,
where all objects in the museum have been digitally captured and museum staff have been trained to
share the knowledge with their fellow colleagues.
Ngara Jean Bosco, a staff at the Art Museum of the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, Kanombe, he is among
the trained participants who say that they were taught practically on how to document museum objects
digitally using 3D technology and were equipped with the right equipment for carrying out the task.
He said that 3D digitization takes accurate measurements of museum objects such that in case some of
the objects get destroyed, they can be recreated with ease. trained participants will also train other
colleagues working at museums to enable the sharing of knowledge at the institution.
Mutoni Peace, who works cultural tourism in Musanze, said that the training improved the capacity of
the participants on how to apply 3D scanning to preserve the museum objects in their actual form.
According to Mutoni Peace, the technology not only allows people to access the museum collections
virtually but also helps the youth understand the history of Rwanda and the significance of preserving
their cultural heritage. She explained that digital preservation of heritage sites not only preserves
heritage from being lost due to destructions like fire but also ensures that accurate replicas are made in
case of any damage.
The program embodies an increasing dedication to the use of technology in the conservation of cultural
heritage, which ensures that the heritage of Rwanda is safeguarded and available to future generations.
