What to expect
One of the best-known monuments in town, Kenwyn House is a regular stop on any visit to the capital, Victoria, on Mahé. The house stands in the middle of the town on Francis Rachel Street, also known as Rue de la Possession.
The house and its history
Kenwyn House is an elegant example of French colonial architecture and one of the few surviving houses of its kind in the Seychelles. It was built in 1855. It later belonged to the telegraph company that became Cable and Wireless, and served as a residence for its staff. The name comes from the village of Kenwyn in Cornwall. In 1984 the house was declared a national monument and has been protected ever since.
The company that runs the neighbouring casino renovated the house. In October 2018 it reopened to visitors as a gallery.
Gallery, garden and shop
Inside, the Kenwyn House Gallery shows work by local artists, including paintings, sculptures and mixed media. A dedicated "Coco de Mer Wall" is devoted to the Seychelles palm and its protection. The exhibitions change, and workshops and events are held from time to time. In the tropical garden next door you can enjoy refreshments.
Until now, visitors could also view and buy handmade South African diamonds, gemstones at duty-free prices and souvenirs here. Diamond SA products were also on sale in the departure terminal of the international airport on Mahé and at the airport on Praslin. I have not been able to confirm clearly which pieces of jewellery are offered in the house today. If you want to buy something, ask on the spot.
Getting there
On foot and by car
From the Clocktower, head south into Francis Rachel Street. By car you come out at the Stadium Car Park, as Francis Rachel Street becomes one-way after that. From there it is a few minutes on foot.
Shortly before the end of Francis Rachel Street, opposite the National Library and next to the Casino Gran Kaz, the pale green roof of Kenwyn House peeks out from behind the palms.
By bus
Leave the bus station heading west onto Palm Street. At the junction turn left onto Albert Street, heading south. At the Clocktower continue straight on into Francis Rachel Street. Just before the roundabout, Kenwyn House is on the right-hand side of the road. The walk takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Opening times and entry
| Day | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 09:00 to 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 to 13:00 |
| Sunday | closed |
Payment methods: Until now, American Express, MasterCard and Visa were accepted, as well as cash in euros, rupees (SCR), US dollars and Swiss francs. Whether this still applies to every area is best checked before you buy anything.
Planning your visit
Kenwyn House combines well with a stroll through the town centre, which is easy to explore on foot. Nearby are the Clocktower, the Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market, the National Museum of History, the Seychelles Natural History Museum and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
The Casino Gran Kaz next door is open only to those aged 18 and over and has its own opening hours, so it is mentioned here only as a landmark.
