Kigali Cultural Experience Park – A Visoinary Framework for Values-Driven Tourism

A Cultural Experience Park is a storytelling-based theme park that immerses visitors in the spirit of a region by bringing its cultural heritage to life. Rather than relying on physical reconstructions, the park offers dynamic journeys through themed zones, live performances, interactive installations, and digital storytelling. Rooted in local identity, these parks connect past and present in an entertaining, educational, and engaging way.

Our Biggest Challenge

Our biggest challenge was the integration of deep cultural authenticity with international leisure standards.
We had to navigate the fine line between respectfully representing Rwanda’s rich cultural traditions and creating an engaging visitor experience that meets the expectations of a global audience. This required continuous dialogue between local stakeholders and international experts, and a creative translation of intangible heritage into tangible, immersive formats.
It was not just about what we tell, but how we tell it — a challenge that demanded sensitivity, creativity, and strategic design thinking.
This tension between cultural depth and experiential appeal lies at the heart of our mission: to create meaningful, respectful, and future-oriented storytelling experiences that resonate across cultures.

Vision & Objectives

The Kigali Cultural Experience Park was envisioned as a beacon of Rwandan culture, designed to inspire, educate, and connect through immersive storytelling. Developed as a values-driven initiative, the park aims to:

• Celebrate Rwanda’s rich heritage and oral traditions
• Create a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and education
• Generate sustainable economic opportunities for local communities
• Inspire future generations through inclusive and innovative experiences

Concept Development:

GreenDreamCompany acted as initiator and lead partner in the development of the park concept. Drawing from its expertise in cultural storytelling, brand experience, and strategic spatial development, the company led an interdisciplinary consortium focused on values-driven entrepreneurship.

• Strategic Development: The masterplan integrated long-term spatial and ecological planning with sustainable land-use strategies. This ensured alignment with Rwanda’s development vision and local aspirations.
• Cultural & Narrative Design:  Deeply rooted in Rwandan oral traditions and folklore, the park’s design emphasizes immersive storytelling, artistic expression, and symbolic landscapes that resonate with local identity. A central narrative pillar was the Rwandan expression of Ubuntu, known locally as Ubumuntu – the essence of humanity, compassion, and mutual care. This cultural philosophy shaped the heart of the park’s experience, inviting visitors to connect with the stories, values, and spirit of Rwanda.
  • In addition to Ubumuntu, the park’s storytelling was guided by two other key Rwandan values:
  • Ubumwe – the spirit of unity and reconciliation, deeply rooted in Rwanda’s post-conflict healing journey.
  • Ubumura – the courage and resilience to uphold and protect cultural identity, especially in times of hardship.
  • These concepts were not only embedded in the content of the stories but also inspired the structure of the visitor experience. Thematic zones, installations, and performances were designed to reflect these values, offering a journey that was at once educational, emotional, and transformational. By weaving these indigenous philosophies into the narrative fabric of the park, the project celebrated not just Rwanda’s past, but its enduring spirit and hopeful future.
• Marketing & Imageneering: The park was positioned as a one-of-a-kind cultural destination, with a strong brand identity that highlights authenticity, inclusivity, and creative storytelling.

Local Involvement
The project was co-created with Rwandan artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs, ensuring local ownership and relevance.

Educational Programs
Workshops, school programs, and hands-on experiences were designed to preserve and pass on cultural knowledge.

Sustainable Design
The masterplan incorporates circular building principles, renewable energy solutions, and eco-friendly materials.

Impact Communication

To bring the vision to life, GreenDreamCompany produced the project’s first animated film. This powerful visual narrative illustrated the immersive experiences, community engagement, and economic potential of the park. It became a key tool in stakeholder communication, investment promotion, and public engagement.

Development Phase

The project progressed through a full feasibility study, followed by the completion of the masterplan. This phase included:

• Location and market research
• Cultural and design analysis
• Financial planning
• Stakeholder collaboration with cultural institutions, local authorities, and NGOs

Unique Features

• Cultural Immersion: Visitors participate in rituals, performances, and crafts.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Designed using renewable resources and circular principles.
• Local Empowerment: Developed with Rwandan creatives and communities.
• Educational Legacy: Inspiring youth through meaningful storytelling.
• Values-Driven Entrepreneurship: A model balancing culture, community, and commerce.
• Visual Storytelling: The animated film as a bridge between vision and realization.

Partners & Collaboration

GreenDreamCompany led the international consortium and collaborated closely with Rwandan stakeholders, educational institutes, governmental bodies, NGOs, and cultural organizations. This collaborative foundation strengthened the park’s cultural authenticity and long-term viability.

Landscape Architect: MTD Landscape Architects

Themepark Architect: Jora Vision

Building Architect: The Conceptbuilders

Conclusion

Although the Cultural Experience Park in Kigali has not (yet;) been fully realized, the project delivered a powerful concept and strategic framework for values-driven cultural tourism. Through in-depth research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and culturally rooted storytelling, it became a benchmark for how heritage, sustainability, and immersive experience can be meaningfully combined. The infrastructure of the location is well implemented for future development.

The concept proved to be both visionary and replicable — offering a gold standard for future developments that aim to connect communities through culture and storytelling. Its success lies in the strength of its design, its respect for local identity, and its ability to inspire.

Today, this framework continues to evolve and expand. GreenDreamCompany is actively applying its principles in other countries, building on the Kigali concept to co-create culturally immersive and socially impactful destinations across the globe. heritage, sustainability, and economic opportunity.