Phoenix Glass Gallery | Vacoas Phoenix

Information

Landmark: Phoenix Glass Gallery
City: Vacoas Phoenix
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Phoenix Glass Gallery, Vacoas Phoenix, Mauritius, Africa

The Mauritius Glass Gallery (Phoenix Glass Gallery) is a specialized glassworks and museum located in the industrial zone of Phoenix, Mauritius. It is renowned for its focus on recycled glass art and ecological craftsmanship.

Visual Characteristics

The gallery is housed in a facility that combines an industrial workshop with a curated showroom. Visitors observe a rustic, artisanal environment featuring open-flame furnaces and glass-blowing stations. The display area is characterized by vibrant, multi-colored glass sculptures, functional homeware, and decorative installations. A notable feature is the "Hands of Fame" exhibit, displaying glass handprints of international celebrities.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: 129 John Kennedy Ave, Vacoas-Phoenix, Mauritius.

Access: Situated within the Phoenix Beverages Group premises, easily accessible from the M1 motorway.

Transport: Served by buses on the Curepipe–Port Louis route. The nearest major stop is the Phoenix Mall or the Pont Fer junction.

Parking: Dedicated on-site parking is available for visitors.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1991, the gallery was created to recycle glass bottles from the nearby Phoenix Beverages brewery. It utilizes 100% recycled glass, transforming industrial waste into artistic pieces. This initiative aligns with the island's environmental conservation goals, specifically reducing landfill waste.

Key Highlights & Activities

Glass-Blowing Demonstrations: Live viewing of master craftsmen shaping molten glass using traditional techniques.

Museum: Exhibits detailing the history of glass making and the "Hands of Fame" collection.

Custom Glass Casting: Opportunity for visitors to have their own hand or foot prints cast in glass.

Retail Gallery: A shop selling unique pieces, from jewelry to large-scale lamps and vases.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Workshop Section: High-heat zone where the actual production occurs.

Gift Shop: Air-conditioned retail space.

Facilities: On-site restrooms are available.

Connectivity: Strong 4G/5G cellular signals.

Best Time to Visit

The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 12:00. It is closed on Sundays. Arriving between 09:00 and 11:00 is recommended to ensure the glass-blowing demonstrations are active.

Facts & Legends

A unique fact is that every piece produced is entirely handmade, meaning no two items are identical. The "Hands of Fame" project has collected prints from figures like Nelson Mandela and various world leaders, making it a unique cultural archive within the industrial heart of the island.