Explore the history of the slave trade and its deep impact on the history of Mauritius

How to immerse in local Mauritian history? A good place to start will be here at the Intercontinental Slavery Museum in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Slavery was used by the colonial powers in Mauritius. Both France and Great Britain made the colony become prosperous because of the sugar industry. Slaves were importet to do the work on the plantations. A visit to the museum is a good way of understanding the history of slavery and the impact the slave trade has had on the island.

This is a new museum. Even though the work on it startet more than ten years ago, it didn't open to the public before on September 4th, 2023. The building that now houses the museum is one of the oldest in Mauritius. It used to function as a military hospital, constructed during the French colonial period, by the govenor Mahé de Labourdonnais. The year was 1740 and the work was done by slaves. This fact gives the location of the museum a deeper meaning. This old building is located by the harbor front and next to another important museum conveing Mauritian history – The Aapravasi Ghat - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This museum tells the story of the indentured labour who took over the work on the plantations when slavery was abolished.

At the entrance you will find this large photo of sculptured faces. Without doubt I find this the most powerful part of the exhibition. This is the first meeting with some of these individuals who fought for their freedom. ( You will meet them again inside) . I find this part is an amazing piece of art. It gives meaning to place it at the entrance. The first emotional meeting that definitly set the mood before I took the first steps inside,

This museum is hosting both a permanent exhibition and temporary. You will be able to see many original documents and artifacts. The aim is to keep collecting in order to preserve. In 2012 it was desided that the Mauritius Truth and Justice Commision was to start an investigation of history and the consequences of slavery for Mauritius. The aim is to raise awareness about the history of the slave trade.

The first thing I did, was to admire the building outside. I have passed the building so many times, but I have never been inside the gates before now. As far as I can remember, it has been closed to the public. It's a two story building, but only the ground floor are in use for exhibition. The young woman at the entrance said that the exhibion is in the beginning of its development. The second floor will also be taken in use. The plan is eventually to have the impressive size of 1.000 sqare meters.

The demographic evolution of Mauritius

Port Louis: at the crossroad of remembrance

A museum about intercontinental slavery

For more justice in society

The road to freedom

The words to describe slavery

These informational posters are set up in the inner courtyard. They tell the story from the beginning of slavery to the present day museum and its purpose. Luckily (for me) there is an English text next to it. I took the time to read them in the correct historical order before entering.

The museum does not have a large exhibition, yet. But there are already a few original documentss. Among others. one that shows what laws were in place under Louis XIV, regulating slavery. Films are shown in one room, as well as a room with objects that belonged to slaves.

The last room I entered is this room with photos of the busts, by a local artist. To me this is the most emotional part of the exhibition. To see the faces of these former slaves, read their names and where they originally came form, makes the tragic history of slavery come very much alive. You can put on headphones and listen to stories of the slaves. Unfortunately everything inside was in French. But the rooms are filled with light ( hope for the future?). The outer walls are kept in raw bricks and the inside walls are white. Makes a meaningfull frame around the exhibition

When the museum opened, the Prime Minister Jugnauth sait that this museum is both a place for children to learn about the past and a place to reflect. He affirmed that this museum can help building mutual respect between the different ethnic groups on the island.

I am already looking forward to come back.