The island’s unique history is revealed through its many museums, which trace the evolution of Mauritian society, from the colonial era to the history of sugarcane, including its rich maritime past.
Port Louis and its museums: at the heart of Mauritian culture
Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a cosmopolitan and cultural city with numerous museums.
It is an essential stop during a stay in Mauritius, for those seeking to experience Mauritian culture and learn about its history.
The Natural History Museum
Opened in 1842, it is the oldest museum in the country.
It showcases Mauritian biodiversity, its endemic species, and the famous skeleton of the dodo, the island’s symbol.
The Natural History Museum in Port Louis is housed in a magnificent 19th-century colonial building in the heart of the capital.
Aapravasi Ghat
Aapravasi Ghat is a historical site of paramount importance, a place of remembrance inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This place was, in the 19th century, the arrival point for hundreds of thousands of foreign workers, primarily from India but also from China.
These indentured laborers were recruited to work on the sugar cane plantations in Mauritius after the abolition of slavery.
This museum is a gateway to the past and history of Mauritius.
Here, visitors can discover period buildings and poignant testimonies from the first Indian immigrants.
They allow us to better understand the daily lives and difficult living conditions of these men and women who contributed to the development of modern Mauritius.
The Blue Penny Museum
The Blue Penny Museum is an art and history museum housing numerous antique objects, paintings, sculptures, maps, and documents that bear witness to different periods of Mauritian history.
The museum owes its name to the famous « Blue Penny » and « Red Penny » stamps, issued in 1847 and considered among the rarest in the world. Due to their fragility, they are illuminated for only 10 minutes per hour.
Part of the museum is dedicated to the story of Paul and Virginia, the iconic novel by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, which helped bring international renown to the island.
The Photography Museum
The Photography Museum houses an exceptional collection of vintage cameras, postcards, and period prints.
This museum allows visitors to rediscover the island’s history through photography and immerse themselves in the past daily life of Mauritians.
The Shell Museum
Located in Bel Ombre, in the southwest of Mauritius, this museum houses the largest collection of shells in Africa, with more than 8,000 specimens from around the world.
It offers a captivating exploration of marine biodiversity and the richness of ocean ecosystems. Thanks to its educational approach, the museum offers a particularly suitable experience for children and families.
The National History Museum
Located in a colonial mansion dating back to 1772, the National History Museum in Mahébourg immerses visitors in Mauritius’ maritime past.
It houses a rich collection of artifacts recovered from shipwrecks and underwater archaeological expeditions: anchors, cannons, navigational instruments, tableware, and other everyday objects used by sailors.
Each piece tells the story of the sea’s importance in the island’s development, from trade with Europe and Asia to the challenges of navigating the Indian Ocean.
This museum also reveals the history of the naval battles and explorations that shaped Mauritius and illustrates how the sea has been and remains a cornerstone of Mauritian identity.