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Natural History Museum

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Natural History Museum (Mauritius)

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The Natural History Museum in Port Louis is the oldest museum in Mauritius, located on the ground floor of the historic Mauritius Institute Building adjacent to the Company's Garden. Founded in 1842, the museum is dedicated to documenting and showcasing the unique biological diversity of the Mascarene Islands. It has achieved worldwide fame primarily for its exhibits on the Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), the iconic flightless bird that became extinct in the late 17th century. Visitors can see a nearly complete skeleton of the Dodo, along with detailed reconstructions that illustrate how the bird once lived in its native habitat. Beyond the Dodo, the museum features extensive collections of marine life, rare endemic birds, reptiles, and insects characteristic of the Indian Ocean region. The displays highlight the fragility of island ecosystems and the critical importance of modern conservation efforts. This institution provides an essential educational experience for understanding the natural heritage and environmental history of Mauritius, preserving the memory of its lost fauna.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

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Avg °C272827272524232323242526
Rain mm128116122674129262124292944

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Natural History Museum in Port Louis is an indoor museum that can be visited during opening hours. Entry is typically paid, sometimes with reduced rates for children and students.
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Typical hours
Museums in Mauritius typically open Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings, with Sunday often closed. It is advisable to check current opening hours online before your visit.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed without flash in the exhibition halls to protect delicate specimens. In special exhibitions, photography may be restricted - look for signage.
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Time needed
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for a walk through the permanent exhibition, especially due to the famous Dodo exhibit. If you also want to see temporary exhibitions, plan for two hours.
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Combine with
The museum is centrally located in Port Louis, easy to combine with Place d'Armes and Government House. The Mauritius Photography Museum is just 10 minutes away and complements the visit.
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Getting there
The museum is located on Réduit Road in Port Louis, within walking distance from the city centre and bus station. Paid parking lots are available nearby for those driving.
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Insider tip
Visit the museum in the morning to avoid crowds, especially when cruise ships are in port. The Dodo room is the highlight - take time to examine the details.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.16360, 57.50280

Facts

  • Founded in 1842
  • Location: Chaussée Street
  • Oldest museum in Mauritius
  • Highlight: Dodo skeleton
  • Entrance: Usually free
  • Themes: Marine biology & ecology

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PaillesPailles3 km · SWExplore →
Riche TerreRiche Terre3 km · NExplore →
Le HochetLe Hochet4 km · NEExplore →
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Sights in the town Natural History Museum (10)

Natural History Museum🏛 museum

Natural history museum in Port Louis, Mauritius.

🕒 Mo-Tu, Th-Sa 09:00-16:00; We 11:00-16:00

Léoville L'Homme

Attraction in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Marie Barthelemy

Attraction in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Photo Museum🏛 museum

Photography museum in Mauritius.

Théatre de Port Louis

Theatre in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Central Market

Market in Port Louis, Mauritius.

St Louis Cathedral

St. Louis Cathedral, a building in Mauritius.

Postal Museum🏛 museum

Postal museum in Mauritius.

Jummah Mosque

Mosque in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Moulin

Windmill in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the highlight in the Natural History Museum?
The skeleton of the famous extinct Dodo bird.
Is there an entry fee?
Admission is generally free.
What are the opening hours?
Weekdays usually 9 am to 4 pm, shorter on Saturdays.
Is it suitable for children?
Very much so, it is very educational about the island's fauna.
Where is the museum located?
In the center of Port Louis, by the Institute.
Natural History Museum: where is it located?
Natural History Museum is located in Mauritius.
Natural History Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Natural History Museum, Léoville L'Homme, Marie Barthelemy.
Natural History Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Natural History Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Natural History Museum in Port Louis is the oldest museum in Mauritius, located on the ground floor of the historic Mauritius Institute Building adjacent to the Company's Garden.
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Nearby cities

Port Louis — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius and the country's economic hub.
Vacoas-Phoenix — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Vacoas-Phoenix
Vacoas-Phoenix is one of the most populous municipalities in Mauritius.
🗺️
Bassin
Bassin is a residential village in the Plaines Wilhems district, near Quatre Bornes.
Vacoas — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Vacoas
Vacoas is located in the heart of the island and is known for its cooler temperatures.
Beau Bassin — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Beau Bassin
Beau Bassin is part of the larger Beau Bassin-Rose Hill urban area in the center of the island.
Curepipe — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Curepipe
Curepipe, also known as 'La Ville Lumière', is the highest town in Mauritius.
Triolet — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Triolet
Triolet is one of the longest villages on the island, located in northern Mauritius.
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Goodlands
Goodlands is a bustling village in northern Mauritius that serves as an important economic hub for the region.
Bel Air Rivière Sèche — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Bel Air Rivière Sèche
Bel Air Rivière Sèche is a large village in eastern Mauritius.
Bambous — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Bambous
Bambous is the administrative capital of the Rivière Noire district in the west.
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Centre de Flacq
Centre de Flacq is the main village of the Flacq district in eastern Mauritius.
Saint Pierre — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is a centrally located village in the Moka district.
Le Hochet — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Le Hochet
Le Hochet is a densely populated village in the Pamplemousses district, just north of the capital Port Louis.
Riche Terre — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Riche Terre
Riche Terre is located on the outskirts of Port Louis.
Baie du Tombeau — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Baie du Tombeau
Baie du Tombeau is located on the northwest coast and is a mix of residential and industrial zones.

History & landmarks

Curepipe Town Hall — Natural History Museum (Mauritius)
Curepipe Town Hall
A fine example of colonial wooden architecture in the center of Curepipe.