Discovery of museums in Mauritius

Shaped by volcanic forces over 10 million years ago, Mauritius was first discovered in the 16th century and later became a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history culminating in independence in 1968. The island proudly preserves its cultural heritage in various museums that capture its diverse past. Dive into the history of Mauritius through these captivating museums:

National History Museum

Also known as Château Gheulde or Maison Robillard, this former French colonial country house, built in 1772, is a window into Mauritius’s colonial past. Visitors can revisit the historic naval battle between the French and British through an impressive collection of prints, paintings, miniature sculptures, and documents by renowned Mauritian artist Prosper d’Epinay.

Visiting Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 09:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Wednesday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sunday and Public Holidays: 09:00 am – 12:00 pm

Frederik Hendrik Museum

Built by Dutch sailors, this museum at Vieux Grand Port Historic Site holds a treasure trove of maritime history, with 18th and 19th-century ship graffiti. You’ll also encounter the ruins of Mauritius’s first Catholic Church, built by Mahé de Labourdonnais in 1737. The Main Hall showcases ancient building materials like cannonballs, pottery fragments, clay pipes, and remnants of early diets, including tortoise and shellfish remains.

Visiting Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 09:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Wednesday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sunday: 09:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Public Holidays: Closed

Natural History Museum

Step into Mauritius’s oldest museum, located in the capital, Port Louis, near Jardin de la Compagnie. The museum features three galleries:

1. The first focuses on Mauritius’s endemic animals, like the extinct Dodo and Rodrigues Solitaire birds.
2. The second gallery displays marine life, featuring rare species such as the “Acanthocidaris curvastispina” sea urchin.
3. The third gallery highlights geology, with a fascinating illuminated model of a volcano.

Visiting Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 09:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Wednesday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Explore these museums to uncover the fascinating layers of Mauritius’s past!