𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐮𝐬’ 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲

Located in the heart of Port Louis, the vibrant capital of Mauritius, the Natural History Museum is the oldest museum in the country and one of the oldest in Southern Africa. Founded in 1842, it is housed in a historic building constructed between 1880 and 1884, right across from the Jardin de la Compagnie. This iconic museum offers visitors a fascinating dive into the rich biodiversity of the Mascarene Islands, showcasing emblematic species such as the dodo and a diverse collection of marine life.

𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦

The museum owes its creation to Mauritian naturalist Julien Desjardins, whose valuable collection was donated to the state after his death in 1840. Initially exhibited at the Royal College of Port Louis, the collection was later transferred to its current location, a building designed by British architect Mann, inspired by the Colombo Museum in Sri Lanka.

Since its opening, the museum has significantly expanded its collection, now featuring over 35,000 specimens of animal and plant species, as well as geological samples. Among these, more than 3,000 pieces are unique, representing extinct species that once thrived in Mauritius.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦’𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐝𝐨: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐮𝐬

The dodo, Mauritius’ most famous extinct species, holds a central place in the museum. This flightless bird, discovered in the 16th century and wiped out within a century, is represented by an original skeleton on display, acquired in 1900 after being discovered in Caverne Patate. This iconic exhibit serves as a poignant reminder of how human intervention can lead to rapid species extinction.

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞: 𝐀 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The museum dedicates an entire gallery to marine life, displaying over a hundred species of fish found in Mauritian waters, including freshwater species. Visitors can also admire mollusks, rare seashells, sea urchins, and preserved marine mammals, such as the dugong, which once inhabited the Indian Ocean.

𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬

Beyond the dodo and marine life, the museum houses collections of stuffed birds, reptiles, insects, butterflies, and geological samples, including rocks, minerals, and fossils. A special section is dedicated to Mauritius’ geological history, featuring volcanic rock formations and a cross-section model of a volcano, offering a deeper understanding of the island’s geological evolution.

𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐄-𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩

Today, Rojo Andrianasolo, CEO of Gate E-Media Group, had the honor of visiting the Natural History Museum of Port Louis. He was warmly welcomed by the museum’s director, Mr. Ravi Bhootooa, who personally guided him through the exhibits, unveiling the museum’s many natural and historical wonders. This encounter highlighted the cultural and scientific importance of Mauritius’ heritage, showcased through exceptional collections and unique displays.

𝐀𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝

The Natural History Museum of Port Louis is not just a place of exhibition; it is a guardian of Mauritius’ natural and historical legacy. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich biodiversity, understand its environmental challenges, and admire species that once thrived here.

Whether you are a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious, a visit to the museum promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. We invite travelers, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts from all over the world to explore this cultural treasure, marvel at the majesty of the dodo, dive into Mauritius’ marine world, and witness the island’s geological evolution firsthand. A must-visit destination for anyone eager to understand the soul and identity of Mauritius.