Museums in Mauritius
- 07/19/18
- Good places to go
The island of Mauritius has a rich culture, which is due to the diversity of its population, native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. This multiculturality is expressed in its museums, which offer a unique opportunity to discover the history, culture and biodiversity of this paradise island. Historical, naval, agro-industrial, stamp or photography, so let’s browse through the museums to visit during your stay in Mauritius.
The Aapravasi Ghat
Situated in Port Louis harbour, this very interesting interactive museum gives an insight into the history of the Mauritian population. This former landing place of the first indentured labourers draws an exceptional family tree of the Mauritian population, with many fascinating documents that are worth discovering. It was the first site of its kind to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Today, the Aapravasi Ghat is an important symbol of the cultural diversity of Mauritius and a memorial to the indentured labourers who have contributed to the economic growth of the island.
https://aapravasi.govmu.org/
Blue Penny Museum
Famous for housing the rare and precious Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps, considered the most expensive in the world, the Blue Penny Museum is an interesting immersion into the history of Mauritius. Philatelists are sure to appreciate the visit, with many old documents, marine charts, paintings, sculptures and a fine collection of works that recount Mauritian history, culture and local fauna and flora. A room dedicated to the legend of Paul and Virginia gives access to different editions of the famous novel, paintings and a statue that relate the tragic story of the star-crossed lovers.
https://www.bluepenny.museum/
The Natural History Museum of Port-Louis
Founded in 1880, the museum houses an impressive collection of natural artifacts, ranging from minerals and rocks to fossils and plants, as well as specimens of marine and terrestrial animals from the region, including rare and endangered birds.
The museum also features an exhibition on the geological history of Mauritius, which dates back millions of years. Visitors can discover how the island emerged from the sea bed and how the fauna and flora have evolved over time.
The museum also offers educational activities for children and organizes events throughout the year.
The highlight of the visit, which should delight children who are fans of the cartoon “Madagascar”, is the reproduction of a dodo, the most famous bird of Mauritius, now extinct, as well as bones and a presentation of its lifestyle.
The Mauritius Postal Museum
The 19th century stone building, which is a listed building, testifies to the major events that have marked the history of postal services in Mauritius since its origin in 1772. Postal and philatelic history enthusiasts will be delighted by an impressive collection of stamps and envelopes, as well as stamp machines and old postal uniforms.
The Photography Museum
In the heart of Port-Louis, this small private museum is a must for all those who love photography. It houses all kinds of objects and documents on Mauritian photography, and the beginnings of cinematography. From old cameras to lenses, old books on photography, some of the first images of daguerreotype on metal, material projection, and an impressive collection of old stereoscopic photographs, immerse yourself in the exciting iconographic history of Mauritius. Visitors can also buy books, posters and other photography-related products in the museum shop.
The Château Labourdonnais
This splendid colonial house on a former sugar estate in the north-east is a magnificent testimony of the colonial period in Mauritius until its independence. In addition to its magnificent lush garden, visitors can admire the superb renovated residence of former landowners, with its rich collection of furniture, paintings, objects and carpets.
https://domainedelabourdonnais.com/
Mahébourg naval museum
Head off to this small museum in the south-east which houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts and documents, covering a period from the Dutch colonization of Mauritius in the 17th century to independence in 1968. Visitors will learn about the history of the slave trade, the sugar industry and Indian immigration, all of which played an important role in the development of the island. The museum houses old cannons, the famous bell of the famous ship Le Saint-Géran, which inspired Bernardin de Saint-Pierre’s mythical story of “Paul and Virginia”, antique furniture and a wagon in the garden. Visitors can also get to know the history of the naval battle of Grand Port which took place in 1810. With its quaint atmosphere and unique artifacts, the Mahébourg naval museum is a must for naval history enthusiasts.
L’Aventure du Sucre
Dedicated to the crucial and founding history of the Mauritian sugar cane industry, L’Aventure du Sucre, housed in a former sugar factory, proposes an interactive immersion in several languages on the history of sugar, from its production to its transportation by man, as well as reconstitutions of the living conditions at that time. Children will be delighted to participate in workshops and discover the different varieties of sugar as well as a sugary boutique.
https://aventuredusucre.com/fr/
Eureka, the Creole house
In the heart of Moka, in the center of Mauritius, the Eureka house is a nostalgic and impressive dive into the colonial history and ancient domains of the country. Restored and maintained with care, this superb house offers an idea of the gentle lifestyle of the islands, with its beautiful varangue, its waxed wooden floors, its fine furniture and precious works of art and decorative objects rarely to be seen nowadays. The house is surrounded by lush gardens and picturesque waterfalls, providing an idyllic setting for a relaxing walk.
The museums of Mauritius are fascinating for a better understanding of the extraordinary history and interbreeding of its population during your stay. Please check with our concierges for opening hours and days.