The Maison de l'Histoire stands in La Réunion on La Digue, on the lower floor of the old plantation house Grann Kaz. The house is part of the L'Union Estate, a former coconut and vanilla plantation. The gallery displays works by Seychellois artists that show the history and culture of the island nation.
What to expect
The gallery belongs to the artist Rita Morel, who also runs Rita's Art Studio & Gallery on Praslin. The paintings on show look at the past and cultural heritage of the Seychelles from a range of artistic angles. They give an impression of how the Seychellois live. Visitors report that the pictures say a great deal about the country's history and traditions.
The place also has a cinematic past: in the 1970s the house served as a backdrop for the French film "Goodbye Emmanuelle".
The house of Grann Kaz and its history
Grann Kaz is a national monument and a large, traditional plantation house. It was built in the last quarter of the 19th century by Said Hossen, a merchant of Iranian origin. It was first restored at the end of the 1970s.
In 2014 the L'Union Estate Company and the Seychelles Heritage Foundation agreed to turn the unused house into a museum for La Digue. The renovation was budgeted at around 186,000 US dollars. In 2019 a dedicated history museum on the estate was also announced, intended to tell the story of the island since its discovery. It would be the first museum of its kind on any Seychelles island outside the main island.
Getting there and access
The L'Union Estate lies in the south-west of the island, at the southern end of La Réunion. The plantation house stands on the grounds. If you want to visit the famous beach of Anse Source d'Argent, you will usually pass the estate anyway, as the access route runs through it. You can cover the paths on foot or by bicycle.
Along the way you will see coconut palms, vanilla cultivation, a small souvenir shop and the enclosure of the Seychelles giant tortoises.
Practical tips
According to the operators, the L'Union Estate is open daily from 6:00 to 18:00, including public holidays. Entry for foreign visitors is 150 Seychelles rupees. The ticket is valid for one day. If you buy it after 16:30, you can use it the following day. There is a special rate for guests staying on the island for more than five days.
We were unable to establish the opening hours of the gallery itself with certainty. If you want to be sure, you can reach the gallery on +248 4234295. Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour of the sprawling grounds is made on foot or by bike. It is best to plan your visit to the gallery together with the plantation house, the tortoises and the walk to Anse Source d'Argent.
