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Victor Schœlcher Statue
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Landmark
The statue of Victor Schœlcher in Cayenne is a significant monument dedicated to the man who was instrumental in the final abolition of slavery in the French colonies in 1848. The monument is located in Place Victor Schœlcher, a central city square named after him. Erected in 1896, the bronze statue depicts Schœlcher in a heroic gesture, standing by a liberated slave, symbolizing the moment of emancipation. For the people of French Guiana, this monument holds great symbolic value as it commemorates the struggle for freedom and human dignity. Schœlcher spent a significant amount of time investigating conditions in the colonies, and his political commitment led to the decree of April 27, 1848. The statue is not only a work of art but also a site for commemorative ceremonies, particularly on June 10, the day of the abolition of slavery in Guiana. The maintenance of this monument underscores the historical importance of the abolitionist movement to the department's identity.
- Location: French Guiana
- Top sights: Témoins de Jéhovah · Statue de Félix Éboué · Musée départemental Alexandre Franconie
- Nearby: Kaw Marshes (33 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 300 | 264 | 251 | 369 | 504 | 334 | 217 | 109 | 54 | 58 | 110 | 303 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Victor Schœlcher statue is an outdoor public monument, freely accessible at any time. It stands in a central location and can be visited without restrictions.
Typical hours
Since the statue stands in public space, it has no opening hours - it is visible around the clock. Night-time lighting ensures it is clearly seen after sunset.
Photography
Photography is allowed at any time and without restrictions as it is a public work of art. For portrait shots with the statue, flash is not needed.
Time needed
Viewing the statue itself takes only about five to ten minutes. However, take some time to look at the surrounding commemorative plaques and the area.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk to nearby Place Victor Schœlcher and Cayenne Cathedral. The Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie is also just a few minutes' walk away.
Getting there
The statue stands on a central square in Cayenne and can be reached on foot from anywhere in the city centre. Parking is available on surrounding streets or at the nearby Place des Palmistes.
Insider tip
Visit the statue in the late afternoon when the warm light brings out the beauty of the bronze. Read the inscriptions on the plinth to learn more about Schœlcher's role in the abolition of slavery.
Geography
Facts
- The statue was solemnly inaugurated in the year 1896.
- Victor Schœlcher was a prominent French politician and journalist.
- The monument was crafted by the sculptor Ernest-Eugène Chrétien.
- It is located in the center of Place Victor Schœlcher in Cayenne.
- Slavery was officially abolished in French Guiana on June 10, 1848.
- Schœlcher's remains have been resting in the Panthéon in Paris since 1949.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Victor Schœlcher Statue (10)
Assemblée Évangélique La Porte
Evangelical congregation in Cayenne.
Mosquée Assalam Cayenne
Mosque in Cayenne, French Guiana.
Place Léopold Héder🌳 park
Square in Cayenne, France.
Fome e Misere
Christian group in Cayenne.
Église Mondiale⛪ church
Church in Cayenne, French Guiana.
Maison Félix Éboué🏛 museum
Museum in France, dedicated to Félix Éboué.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who was Victor Schœlcher?
He was a French politician who brought about the final abolition of slavery in the French colonies in 1848.
Where is the statue located?
It is located on Place Victor Schœlcher, right in front of the Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie.
What does the monument depict?
The statue depicts Schœlcher together with a liberated slave as a symbol of freedom.
Is access time-limited?
No, the monument is in a public square and is freely accessible at any time.
What can you see nearby?
Visit the adjacent Alexandre-Franconie Museum or walk to the nearby Place des Palmistes.
Victor Schœlcher Statue: where is it located?
Victor Schœlcher Statue is located in French Guiana.
Victor Schœlcher Statue: what is there to see?
Highlights include Témoins de Jéhovah, Statue de Félix Éboué, Musée départemental Alexandre Franconie.
Victor Schœlcher Statue: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Victor Schœlcher Statue: why is it worth visiting?
The statue of Victor Schœlcher in Cayenne is a significant monument dedicated to the man who was instrumental in the final abolition of slavery in the French colonies in 1848.
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A museum showcasing the natural history, archaeology, and ethnology of French Guiana.
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