La Nef museum Mauritius

La Nef Museum (meaning the nave) or the Robert Edward Hart Memorial Museum was once the mansion of one of the most famous writer and poet of Mauritius, Robert Edward Hart. Half Irish and half Mauritian, Robert Hart was born in 1891 in Port Louis and grew up as a boy who had great taste in drawing and violin. He later on became the librarian of the Mauritian Institute as well as the First president of the Society of Mauritian Writers. Some of his works are known throughout the world such as the Les Voix intimes, Sensations de route, l’Egide et l’ombre Etoilee and Le destin de Sapho. Robert Hart was also awarded the French Legion d’Honneur and the British OBE for his works, many of which have been translated into different languages. On his 50th birthday, the writer was given a beautiful bungalow by his friends in the South of Mauritius at Souillac which is found directly on the beach on the way to Gris Gris. The building is made of coral with a breathtaking view of the Souillac beach and ocean; many believe that this wonderful sight must have played a soothing role in the creation of his works. The man died in 1954 and was cremated in Souillac itself. In 1964, the government took possession of the bungalow and converted it into a museum in memorial of the late writer and poet. The house, divided into four rooms including the reception hall, has retained the essence of the era during which Robert Hart lived: the undisturbed beds with the ancient bed sheets, rugs and portraits, his personal belongings such as his glasses and violin as well as copies of his works can be seen in the museum. The building was repaired and opened to the public in 1967. In 2003, the museum was renovated completely and reopened on the birthday of the writer. It is accessible to the public and is free of charge. A documentary of Robert Hart In Memoriam which has been produced by the Mauritius College of the Air can be viewed upon the visitor’s request.