In an effort to bolster cultural preservation and education, museums in Rwanda have introduced Virtual Reality (VR) tours that enable both local and international visitors to explore the nation’s history from anywhere.
The initiative, unveiled on Saturday, August 30, is a collaboration with Innorios, a local technology firm specializing in VR solutions. The project seeks to make cultural exploration more accessible and engaging through two types of virtual tours: a self-guided 360-degree tour available on smartphones and computers, and an immersive VR experience using headsets.
“Imagine exploring the Ethnographic Museum in Huye from the comfort of your own home. The self-guided tour lets users navigate the museum’s exhibits at their own pace, moving seamlessly from one section to another and examining artifacts in detailed 3D,” said Musa Shumbusho, founder of Innorios.
The virtual tours will include various historical and heritage sites from across Rwanda.
“It’s like being physically present in the museum, but with the convenience of exploring at your own speed,” Shumbusho added.
The VR headset experience offers a 360-degree view and includes guided narration in multiple languages, including sign language.
This new VR venture follows a similar initiative by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) four years ago, which brought the country’s mountain gorilla trekking experience to viewers through VR.
Globally, the VR industry is expanding rapidly, with the market size expected to grow from under $12 billion in 2022 to more than $22 billion by 2025.
