Mémorial ACTe inaugurated in 2015 in memory of the victims of slavery and the slave trade, designed as a Caribbean center.
The ACTe Memorial was inaugurated by President François Hollande on May 10, 2015, the day slavery was commemorated in mainland France. Many heads of state from the Caribbean and Africa made the trip. The monument was erected on the site of Darboussier, once the largest sugar unit in the West Indies, in memory of the victims of slavery and the slave trade.
This Caribbean center of expression is versatile and constantly evolving. It is not a traditional museum with a fixed exhibition, but a memorial with a framework that leaves more room for the imagination. The 7,800m2 building houses a 1,700m2 permanent exhibition hall with 6 spaces and 36 thematic islands, from Antiquity to the present day. A further 700m2 is dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Visitors are welcomed in the monumental patio known as the "tree of life". A research area contains 6,000 to 8,000 genealogical trees of Guadeloupean families. An 11.5-metre-high, 275-metre-long footbridge offers a stroll between heaven and earth, leading to "Morne Mémoire", a 2.2-hectare panoramic garden where the master's house, a vinegar factory and the slave cemetery were located.
A free audioguide is provided at the start of the tour, with commentary in a choice of French, English, Spanish, Italian, German or Creole. Bags, telephones and cameras must be left in the individual lockers at the entrance.
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Further information
Opening time and information on MACTE - MEMORIAL ACT
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prices: €15 per person, free for children under 12.
Message from Management
This Caribbean center dedicated to the memory of the slave trade and slavery is located in Pointe-à-Pitre. Erected on the site of Darboussier, once the largest sugar plant in the West Indies, it is a place where history and culture meet to offer a unique and memorable experience. The monument, characterized by its impressive architecture, with its two blocks forming a gleaming metal arch, symbolizes resilience and transformation. It features permanent and temporary exhibitions dedicated to the slave trade, slavery and their abolition. You'll discover a wide selection of objects, documents and works of art related to these themes. MACTe is also distinguished by its six pillars, each a laboratory of cultural innovation. These pillars highlight the intangible dimension of Caribbean heritage and cultural expression. MACTe An Pawòl and MACTe Timoun are among these pillars. The former is a scheme designed to encourage cultural operations that place languages, particularly Creole, at the heart of creative processes. As for the second, it brings together fun, educational, artistic and cultural activities for children. The site also hosts a variety of events, conferences and workshops. An address not to be missed!
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Members' reviews on MACTE - MEMORIAL ACT
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
I stayed more 2:30 in the museum but pressed by time, I couldn't finish your visit properly. Also, for a full tour, at least 3:00 should be provided. At the end of the visit, we were on the bridge that dominates the site.
It is an exceptional, unique museum in the Caribbean worth a detour.