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Museum at the end of a pedestrian and peaceful street, houses a collection of cameras from the nineteenth and early twentieth century
Nestled at the end of a quiet pedestrian alleyway, in an attractive 18th-century house that once belonged to the French botanist and administrator Pierre Poivre, the museum, the synthesis of over 50 years of personal research and investigation, houses an important collection of 19th- and early 20th-century cameras, as well as thousands of old photos revealing aspects of Mauritian life in days gone by (old buildings, railroads, scenes of life...). Created in 1966, it is the "passionately furious" work of the late Tristan Bréville (a fierce defender of heritage and the notion of memory in the collective sense of the term) and his wife Marie-Noëlle. Rich in daguerreotypes and autochromes, the place is an essential place of memory, where the most important collection of old postcards and films on Mauritius is also exhibited. It's a veritable institution, which Tristan and Marie-Noëlle have fought for decades to transform into the National Photographic Archives of Mauritius. The battle was won, as the collection is now being archived and a new location will open in the next 2 years to exhibit even more photos, cameras, etc. The rare pieces will still be on display. We'll still be able to see the rare items currently on display, such as this lens made by Charles Chevalier for Jacques Daguerre in 1839, or this very first camera, which, who knows why, was bought by a Mauritian at the time. On-site sale of books, old postcards, photos...
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Members' reviews on PHOTOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
a really insightful place to learn about the history of photography in Mauritius and also France as these are linked.
They do work within a small space so there is a lot put into the area.
The staff are friendly and polite and happy to give further insight and try out some demos on some of the machines.
It is a paid entry as it’s a private museum, although would recommend for lovers of history and photography.
Les expositions sont exceptionnelles, mettant en lumière la riche histoire et la diversité culturelle de Maurice à travers une collection impressionnante de photographies d'époque. De plus, il convient de rendre hommage au talent exceptionnel du créateur et photographe Tristan Breville, dont le travail remarquable est le pilier de ce musée.
Le musée vous transporte littéralement dans le passé, vous permettant de découvrir la manière dont la vie à Maurice a évolué au fil des décennies. Les images capturées depuis le 19e siècle jusqu'aux aux années 80 racontent une histoire vivante et émouvante de l'île, de ses habitants et de son environnement.
En visitant ce musée, vous apprécierez non seulement le travail des photographes qui ont contribué à documenter l'histoire de Maurice, mais vous comprendrez également l'importance de préserver ce précieux héritage. C'est une expérience enrichissante pour les amateurs de photographie, les passionnés d'histoire et les curieux de tous horizons.
J'en profite pour dire un grand MERCI à Mme. BREVILLE et sa fille qui nous ont chaleureusement accueilli pour une visite mémorable ❤ On se reverra certainement!!