Plizio Visual Lab
Robert Edward Hart Museum
The Robert Edward Hart Museum, famously known as 'La Nef', is located in the southern coastal village of Souillac. This unique structure was the former home of the celebrated Mauritian poet Robert Edward Hart and stands out due to its construction materials: coral blocks and seashells. Built between 1941 and 1944, the house was a gift to the poet after his previous home was destroyed by a cyclone. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing Hart's personal belongings, furniture, and rare manuscripts that highlight his contribution to Indian Ocean literature. The interior reflects the modest yet intellectual lifestyle of the poet, with the surrounding gardens and proximity to the sea providing the tranquil atmosphere that inspired much of his later work. 'La Nef' remains a significant cultural landmark, preserving the legacy of a man whose poetry bridged European and local Mauritian sensibilities.
- Location: Mauritius
- Top sights: Rochester Falls · Telfair Gardens · Telfair Public Beach
- Nearby: Chamouny (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 127 | 113 | 124 | 79 | 47 | 32 | 28 | 26 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 48 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The house named 'La Nef' is built entirely of coral stones
- Robert Edward Hart lived here until his death in 1954
- The museum was officially opened in the year 1967
- Located in Souillac on the southern coast
- Hart is considered one of the leading poets of the Indian Ocean
- The grounds offer an expansive view of the southern sea
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Robert Edward Hart Museum (10)
Riambel Public Beach
A public beach with dark sand on the south coast of Mauritius.
Gris Gris
A beach section with high cliffs and strong surf in southern Mauritius.
la roches de bois
A viewpoint on a rocky outcrop overlooking the south coast of Mauritius.
La Roche qui Pleure
A rock where waves spout through a hole, a natural viewpoint.
Vanilla House🏛 museum
This building showcases the processing of vanilla pods, a traditional crop of the island.
Saint Aubin Sugarcane Museum🏛 museum
The museum documents the history of sugarcane cultivation and sugar production on Mauritius.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who was Robert Edward Hart?
What is on display in the museum?
Is the museum easy to find?
Is there an entry fee?
How long is a tour?
Robert Edward Hart Museum: where is it located?
Robert Edward Hart Museum: what is there to see?
Robert Edward Hart Museum: when is the best time to visit?
Robert Edward Hart Museum: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
