1. Seebaluck Art Gallery & Galerie Raphael
Source
Known as the most extensive gallery in Mauritius, the Seebaluck art gallery is home to a variety of masterpieces from local as well as international artists from India, Indonesia, Réunion Island and more. The two-storied art gallery houses a rich collection of paintings, including styles like Impressionism, Cubism, Realism and Expressionism.
Founded in 1992, the art gallery has several works which display Mauritian scenery and motifs like landscapes and markets. A number of the artworks on display are by the owner and founder, Chayetan Seebaluck, who is a famous Mauritian painter. His works reflect the diversity of Mauritius, with a mix of different mediums, styles and influences. The artwork at the Seebaluck Gallery can be purchased as well.Galerie Raphael, which is also owned by Chayetan Seebaluck, is located nearby and specialises in the display of ship models that Mauritius is famous for.
Location: The Seebaluck Art Gallery is located on the coastal Royal Road in Pointe aux Cannoniers in Mauritius.
Timings: The gallery is open from Monday to Saturday from 09:30 AM to 07:00 PM, and remains closed on Sunday and public holidays.
Entry fee: No entry fee
2. Partage Gallery
Source
The Partage Gallery gets its name from the French word which translates to 'sharing'. This represents the basic idea of the art gallery; a sharing of culture, ideas and knowledge. It is home to works of over 40 artists, from a variety of styles and backgrounds.
Founded in 2008 by Mauritian artist Krishna Luchoomun, the gallery is located within a house, with each room having a different theme. There are rooms dedicated to contemporary art, commercial art and landscapes, the old masters like Rembrandt and the dodo. Most of the artworks exhibited in the Gallery cannot be purchased.The founder Krishna Luchoomun, and his wife Sultana Haukim reside at the Partage Gallery and also have their works displayed there. Luchoomun is also the president of Partage, which is a Mauritian artist association, integrated into Triangle Arts Trust, which is an international arts organisation that brings together artists from all over the world to expand the boundaries of their work.
Location: Partage Gallery can be found in a colourful house at the centre of Flic en Flac in Mauritius. It is located at 419 Kestrel Street, Morcellement Safeland in Flic en Flac.
Don't forget to call the gallery to book an appointment before visiting!
3. 3A The Excellence of Art
Source
This art gallery is home to a collection of over a thousand works, including pieces by international and local artists. The exhibition showcased consists of paintings, sculptures as well as photography. Founded by Christian Mermoud and his wife Catherine, it was the first international contemporary art gallery in Mauritius. Some of the artists on display include Joseph Klibansky, Gael Froget, Alexander Höller and Bamba Sourang.
Location: The art gallery is located at the Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, in the Le Morne Peninsula in Mauritius.
Timings: The gallery is open from Monday to Saturday from 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM, and entrance is on appointment-basis on Sunday.
4. Imaaya Art Gallery
Source
The Imaaya Art Gallery was founded in 2008, to promote the art and culture of Mauritius. The art gallery was founded by Charlie D?Hotman, with the aim of highlighting Mauritian talent. Previously located in Pointe aux Canonniers, the gallery moved to Phoenix in 2015. The gallery also has its boutique with local Mauritian crafts and hosts its art workshops focused on creative expression. It has specialised in contemporary art, specifically through photography, painting, sculpture, drawings and installations. Some of the works include artists such as Elizabeth De Marcy Chelin, Gaël Froget, Khalid Nazroo, Vincent Montocchio and Krishna Luchoomun.
Location: The Imaaya Art Gallery is located at the Cubicle 35-37 on the Royal Road, in Vacoas-Phoenix in Mauritius.
5. Galerie du Moulin Cassé
Source
Located in a former sugar mill, the Galerie du Moulin Cassé was restored to form one of the best art galleries of Mauritius. The sugar mill was shut down in the late 1800s due to lack of water and was restored after almost 90 years.
The gallery is surrounded by tropical gardens and houses two permanent exhibitions, namely, vibrant paintings by Malcolm de Chazal (1902-1982) and a collection of nature photographs of Diane Henry. Some artworks displayed at the gallery can be purchased. Don't miss out on the impressive ceiling lined with over twenty thousand terracotta pots!Location: The Galerie du Moulin Cassé is located at Route Old Mille, in Riviere Du Rempart in Péreybère in Mauritius.
Timings: The gallery is open from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM every Friday. Appointments can be made on other days of the week.
Entry fee: No entry fee
6. Galerie Hélène de Senneville
Source
Started in 1987 by Hélène de Senneville as the first art gallery in Mauritius, the Galerie Hélène de Senneville showcases works by artists from different backgrounds. It acts as a meeting point between artists and art-lovers and aims to promote Mauritian art. A visit to this gallery is a must for those interested in both the past and the future of the island. The gallery also has its shop, Tot's Boutique, which sells handmade gifts and souvenirs.
Location: The Galerie Hélène de Senneville is located at Royal Road in Pointe aux Canonnier, in Pamplemousses, Mauritius.
Timings: The gallery is open from Monday to Saturday, from 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM.
7. Institute of Contemporary Art Indian Ocean (ICAIO)
Source
The Institute of Contemporary Art Indian Ocean was set up in 2015 by Salim Currimjee, a Mauritian artist, photographer and architect. The art gallery acts as an important means to maintain the cultural diversity of Mauritius and is a significant platform for art education in the island.
The exhibitions at the art gallery consist of four shows a year, each of which lasts approximately three months. Some past exhibitions include Stories Retold by Nalini Malani; I Love You Sugar Kane by Zasha Colah and Visions of Port Louis: Constantin et ses amis curated by Bernard Lehembre.Location: The Institute of Contemporary Art Indian Ocean (ICAIO) is located at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam street in Port Louis in Mauritius.
Timings: The art gallery is open from 08:30 AM to 05:00 PM from Monday to Friday, and remains closed on Saturday and Sunday.
8. Didus Art Gallery
Source
Founded in 2000 at Le Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis by Asmita Chomroo, Didus Art Gallery has three galleries and a framing workshop all over the island. With an aim to find and share inspiration, talent and creativity in Mauritius, Didus art gallery showcases and sells artwork by local and international artists, including paintings, lithographs, postcards and materials. It also provides picture-framing services to complement the product offering. One of its branches also offers home decoration accessories such as sculptures, framed mirrors and mosaic plates for sale.
Location: The Didus Art Gallery has three branches, which can be found at GBS plaza in Grand Bay, at the Le Caudan Waterfront in Port-Louis and Bagatelle Mall in Mauritius.
9. Mauritius Glass Gallery
Source
The Mauritius Glass Gallery is home to displays of unique handcrafted artwork made of glass. Founded in 1991 by one of the largest beverage companies of Mauritius, the gallery was set up with the aim to protect the environment and make the best of glass waste. Some of the items on display include lampshades, stained-glass pictures, vases and drinking vessels. The famous 'Offset Glass', the Dodo, the Mauritian Kestrel, the Echo Parakeet and the Pink Pigeon are also sights not to be missed.
The gallery has its very own museum too, where one can learn more about the technique and history of glass-blowing, as well as a shop, where one can purchase souvenirs. Visitors can also choose to add their handprints or footprints to the gallery's 'Hands of Fame' project or order customised products that can even be engraved. The products available include homeware and décor items like wine glasses, candlesticks, lampshades and vases.Location: The Mauritius Glass Gallery is located at Pont-Fer, Pres de Beer Factory, in Vacoas-Phoenix in Mauritius.
Timings:
10. National Art Gallery
Source
The National Art Gallery, founded in 2001, was set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Culture in Mauritius. With a mission to create interest and an awareness and appreciation for art and aesthetics in Mauritius, the gallery successfully hosts some exhibitions, displays and workshops on a regular basis. Its national collection not only helps to promote Mauritian artists but also promotes the exchange of ideas through participation in various international exhibitions. Past events organised by or held at the National Art Gallery have included the Salon d'Été Visual Arts Exhibition, the Touch Feel and See Exhibition and the Festival Internasional Kreol workshop.
Location: The National Art Gallery is located at Suite 10 of Lancaster Court, on Lavoquer Street in Port Louis in Mauritius.Timings: The gallery is open from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM from Monday to Friday, and remains closed on Saturday and Sunday.
As Mark Twain once accurately wrote, 'Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius'. So when you plan your awaited trip to this multicultural island, don't forget to venture off the beaten path and account for time exploring the art scene on the island.