Intercontinental Slavery Museum | Port Louis

Information

Landmark: Intercontinental Slavery Museum
City: Port Louis
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Intercontinental Slavery Museum, Port Louis, Mauritius, Africa

The Intercontinental Slavery Museum is a national commemorative site located in the former Military Hospital in Port Louis, Mauritius. It is the first museum in the region dedicated exclusively to the history of slavery and the slave trade in the Indian Ocean.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the country, built in 1740 using massive dark basalt blocks. The architecture is characterized by thick volcanic stone walls, semicircular arches, and high timber ceilings typical of 18th-century French military construction. The interior galleries utilize minimalist modern displays that contrast with the rugged, historical texture of the original masonry.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated on the corner of Hospital and Quay Streets, directly adjacent to the Aapravasi Ghat (a UNESCO World Heritage site). It is located approximately 0.4 km north of the Caudan Waterfront. Access is via the M1 motorway or the A1 road. It is a 5-minute walk from the Victoria Urban Terminal (metro and bus) and the Immigration Square bus station. No dedicated parking is available on-site; visitors typically use the paid parking at the Caudan Waterfront or the Granary.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building served as a military hospital during the French and British colonial periods, providing care for sailors, soldiers, and enslaved people. The museum project was initiated in 2020 as a response to the recommendations of the Truth and Justice Commission to document the history of slavery. The site occupies reclaimed coastal land near the original harbor shoreline, constructed atop stable volcanic foundations.

Key Highlights & Activities

The museum features thematic exhibitions detailing the origins of enslaved people brought to Mauritius, their living conditions, and their resistance and abolition movements. Highlights include archaeological artifacts recovered from the site, such as medical instruments and personal items, as well as digital maps tracing the Indian Ocean slave routes. Educational tours and temporary art installations related to the African and Malagasy diaspora are frequently hosted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a reception area and public restrooms. While the building's thick stone walls provide some natural cooling, key galleries are climate-controlled. Cellular signal (4G/5G) is strong throughout the premises. The museum is positioned within a dense urban heritage zone, with food and retail services available at the nearby Port Louis Waterfront and Central Market.

Best Time to Visit

Operational hours are typically 09:30 to 16:00 on weekdays. The morning hours (09:30 to 11:30) are recommended to avoid school groups and midday heat. For exterior photography, the morning sun illuminates the historic basalt facade facing the harbor. The museum is generally closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Facts & Legends

The building is a Grade 1 National Monument and is considered the oldest hospital structure in the Southern Hemisphere. A historical oddity is that the site was originally used to treat enslaved people before they were sold in the nearby markets, making the location itself a direct witness to the atrocities of the trade. The museum is part of the "Slave Route Project" supported by UNESCO, linking it to global sites of remembrance.