Port-Louis

Blue Penny Muséum

The Blue Penny Museum boasts priceless Mauritian heritage. The main attraction is the "Post Office." In Mauritius, the first postage stamps were issued in 1847 and were later bought for US $ 2,2 millions in 1993! 
This museum of history and art is also rich in paintings, sculptures, photography and nautical charts...Being modern, the museum is equipped with interactive video screens and audio guided visits are also possible.                 

Mauritius Postal Museum

The Mauritius Postal Museum houses a collection of Mauritian stamps as well as some from other countries.  It also features rubber stamps, plates, old telegraphs, old weighing scales, letter boxes, printing plates and other various documents.  Free entrance.  

Le Musée du Moulin

Following the order of Mahé de Labourdonnais, the mill was built in 1736, in order to supply water to the workers of the harbour. Completely refurbished, this museum houses tools, ancient and modern pictures, millstones, cannons and anchors. 
Short films on the refurbishment and the functioning of the mills in general are also screened.  Free entrance.         

The Natural History Museum /Mauritius Institute

Built in 1842, the Natural History Museum is the oldest museum in Mauritius.  The main attraction is the original dodo skeleton, a famous bird once living in Mauritius and that was decimated by the Dutch settlers in the 17^th century.  One can also discover a well-preserved collection of hammerhead sharks, birds, butterflies, reptiles and of course amphibians.  Free entrance.    

Musée de la photographie

The "Musée de la Photographie" was built in 1996 by the couple Tristan and Marie Noëlle Bréville, both photography enthusiasts.  Mauritius was one of the first countries to try out photography.  The first Mauritian photo dates back to 1840. 
This museum presents a significant collection of several objects regrouping numerous cameras of the 19^th century and the beginning of the 20^th century, as well as films portraying the Mauritian way of life in the 1950's.  Free entrance for children under 12.     

Mikado Shell museum

It houses a collection of more than 3000 shells from all over the world as well as endemic species. 

Pamplemousses

L'aventure du sucre

"L'aventure du sucre" is only 300 meters from the famous Pamplemousses botanical garden. 
This eco museum is located in the heart of the very ancient sugar estate of Beau Plan that ceased to operate in 1998. By the end of 2002, it was converted into a museum. 
"L'aventure du sucre" is an instructive and educational journey.  This lively and modern museum is pleased to present you the Mauritian history through pictures, films, video clips and even comic strips. 

One learns how the sugar production has shaped the whole island: its' economy, its' landscapes, its' nation and the Mauritian life style. 
The sightseeing tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.  Free entrance for children under 6 years old. 
Free tasting is available of the sugar cane and the various types of sugar that vary in taste, flavour and texture, found on the island.  One can also shop at "Le Village Boutik," that sells Mauritian products.  The sachet "15 sucres spéciaux" of Mauritius can only be found here.         

The South

Frederik Hendrik Muséum (Vieux Grand port)

The Frederik Hendrik Museum is located in the ruins of the first fort built by the Dutch in 1638.  The edifice goes back over the history of the Mauritian civilisation through the exhibition of the archeological remains of the Dutch and French occupation.  Free entrance.      

The Historical and Naval Museum of Mahébourg

The historical and naval museum is located in the old property of the Robillard family.  Built in 1771, this beautiful building was converted into a museum in 1950. 
This museum goes back over the history of Mauritius and its three colonial periods: Dutch, French and British.  It features a lovely collection of objects, pictures, engravings, nautical charts and numerous documents about the battle of Vieux Grand Port.  One can also discover weapons and utensils that belonged to the Surcouf, privateers from Saint Malo, a huge bell wreck of Saint Géran (brought back to the surface by divers in 1960) and Chinese porcelain (relics of the ship wreck of the admiral Pieter Both, who died in 1615).  Free entrance.          

Robert Edward Hart Museum: The Coral House (Souillac)

Today, converted into a museum, the Coral House was once the home of the great poet Robert Edward Hart.  He lived there, until his death in 1954.  In the ancient house of this great figure, christened "La Nef", the visitors will find poems, pictures, paintings, personal objects, audiovisual documentary and some extracts from his work. 

Tea Museum in Bois Chéri

Tea was cultivated in Mauritius at the beginning of the 19th century.  The estate of Bois Chéri was amongst the first tea producers on the island.  The tea museum in Bois Chéri comments on the history and making of the tea.  One not only goes to Bois Chéri to visit the museum, but also to enjoy a stroll along the Tea Route: a gastronomic and cultural journey, along with a visit to the Bois Chéri sugar estate, tea plantations and to end your visit, tea tasting, in the chalet. 
The museum can be visited all year round, but the best time is from October to April (during harvest time).