Art & Heritage

Where art meets history: Top art galleries and museums in Mauritius

Mauritius boasts a rich cultural heritage that comes to life through its diverse museums and art galleries. Here’s a curated list of must-visit galleries and museums in Mauritius that offer a glimpse into the island’s history, art, and natural wonders.

Photo by Jessica Pamp on Unsplash

Best art galleries and museums in Mauritius

Intercontinental Slavery Museum (Musée Intercontinental de l’Esclavage)

Located in Port-Louis, the new Intercontinental Slavery Museum takes visitors on a poignant journey through the history of slavery in Mauritius. The exhibits include 34 photos and 12 animated videos depicting the capture and deportation of slaves to Mauritius. The museum’s significance is heightened by its location in one of the island’s oldest buildings, constructed in 1740 by slaves. Open to the public since September 4, 2023, this museum serves as a vital testament to the resilience and contributions of those who endured the slave trade.

Website: https://ismmauritiusltd.govmu.org/ism/
Address: 1, Quay Street, Ex-Military Hospital Building, Port Louis

Retrospektiv Vaco at Caudan Arts Centre (1 Dec - 30 Sept 2024)

Art enthusiasts will be captivated by “Retrospektiv,” a vibrant exhibition at the Caudan Arts Centre. Running from December 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, this retrospective pays homage to the late Mauritian artist Vaco Baissac. The showcase features around sixty iconic paintings that delve into the artist’s visual explorations, emphasizing themes of Creole identity, nature, and femininity. Attendees can immerse themselves in a colorful narrative of Baissac’s artistic legacy, with additional offerings such as conferences, workshops, and guided tours.

Website: https://caudanartscentre.com/retrospektiv-vaco/
Address: Caudan Arts Center, Port Louis.

House of Digital Art (HoDA)

The House of Digital Art, situated in Port-Louis, is a groundbreaking gallery that seamlessly blends science, technology, art, sociology, philosophy, and mythology. Conceived during the pandemic by Astrid Dalais and Guillaume Jauffret, the HoDA aims to provide a unique immersive experience and showcases a diverse selection of digital art installations. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, the gallery offers live performances, conferences, and discovery workshops, stimulating visitors to contemplate their place in the world.

Ticket sales: https://tickets.houseofdigitalart.io/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofdigitalart.io
Address: 6 Rue Edith Cavell, Port Louis

Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00-17:30
Friday-Saturday: 10:00-23:00
Monday & Public Holidays: Closed

Mauritius Natural History Museum

Established in 1842, the Natural History Museum stands as the oldest museum in Mauritius, housed in a charming colonial villa near the Jardin de la Compagnie in Port Louis. Renowned for its extensive collection, the museum showcases natural history specimens, with a spotlight on the iconic dodo, emblematic of the island. The museum’s role extends beyond exhibition, serving as a crucial guardian of Mauritius’s natural history and promoting biodiversity conservation. Visitors can explore the fascinating world of extinct and endemic species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. Notably, the museum offers free admission and is open on weekdays and Saturdays.

Website: https://mauritiusmuseums.govmu.org/mauritiusmuseums/
Address: Mauritius Institute Building, Chaussée, Port Louis,

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 09 00 to 16 00 hours
Wednesday : 11 00 to 16 00 hours
Saturday: 09 00 to 12 00 hours
Sunday & Public Holiday: Closed

Aapravasi Ghat / Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre (BRIC)

Aapravasi Ghat, in Port Louis, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pivotal location in the history of indentured labor migration. Between 1834 and 1920, nearly half a million indentured laborers arrived at Aapravasi Ghat from India. The site comprises the Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre, providing a dynamic presentation of the indenture system’s establishment and the laborers’ experiences. Open on weekdays and Saturdays, this site offers free admission and serves as a poignant reminder of a significant chapter in global economic history.

Website: https://aapravasi.govmu.org/aapravasi/?page_id=816
Address: Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site, Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre (BRIC), Quay Street, Port Louis

Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 16:00 hrs
Saturday: 9:00 – 12:00 hrs
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

Blue Penny Museum

Unveiled to the public in November 2001, the Blue Penny Museum houses some prestigious collections. This cultural gem curated by The Mauritius Commercial Bank is home to the iconic 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps. Acquired in 1993 for an astounding $2,000,000, these stamps, symbolic of Mauritius’ philatelic legacy, were brought back after nearly 150 years. To preserve these invaluable artifacts, the originals are only temporarily illuminated, with copies often on display for public admiration. Beyond stamps, the museum stands as a guardian of the original statue of Paul and Virginia, a poignant creation by Prosper d’Épinay in 1881. As you traverse through time within these walls, the Blue Penny Museum weaves a narrative that connects the past and present of Mauritius in a visually captivating manner.

Website: https://bluepenny.museum/
Address: Le Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

Photographic Museum of Mauritius

Situated in Port-Louis, the Photographic Museum of Mauritius stands as a visual chronicle of Mauritius. Founded in 1966 by collector Tristan Bréville, this private museum relocated to its current site in 1993. The museum’s rich collection includes over a thousand cameras, Charles Chevalier’s lens from 1839, and more. Beyond static displays, the museum functions as a dynamic center for research, with a specialized library and collections of Nadar’s visiting cards. Immerse yourself in over 400,000 negatives, 5,000 glass plates, 28 daguerreotypes, and a visual feast of Mauritius’s history and landscapes. This repository of visual heritage is not just a museum; it’s a captivating window into the evolution of the island’s cultural and photographic legacy.

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Address: Rue du Vieux Conseil in Port-Louis,

National History Museum / Mahebourg Museum

Located in the southeast of Mauritius, the National History Museum of Mahebourg, housed in Château Gheude, offers a historical journey dating back to the 18th century. Explore naval artifacts, maritime history, and exhibits related to the French colonial era in this national heritage building. The museum is free and presents artifacts from the great Naval Battle of Vieux Grand Port, shipwrecks, and the bones of extinct species like the Giant Tortoise and the Dodo.

Website: https://mauritiusmuseums.govmu.org/mauritiusmuseums/
Address: Royal Road,
Mahebourg, Rue du Vieux Conseil in Port-Louis,

Monday,Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 09 00 to 16 00 hrs
Wednesday : 11 00 to 16 00 hrs
Sunday and Public Holiday: 09 00 to 12 00 hrs.

World of Seashells

For a unique and captivating experience, head to the World of Seashells. This museum, located in Bel Ombre, invites visitors to discover the largest seashell collection in Africa. With over 8,000 pieces from around the world, the museum offers an immersive and educational experience into the mathematical importance of seashells. Explore the myths and folklore associated with these ocean treasures, making it an ideal family activity.

Website: https://www.worldofseashells.mu/
Address: Place du Moulin, Bel Ombre, Mauritius

Mon – Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entrance 4pm)
Sun & Public Holidays: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
(last entrance 3 p.m.)