Regional Museum of History and Ethnography, Fort-de-France

Regional Museum of History and Ethnography, Fort-de-France

Housed within an elegant bourgeois house constructed in 1887, the Regional Museum of History and Ethnography (MRHE) provides a glimpse into the Creole culture of the late 19th century through its meticulously curated displays. Еhe ground floor features a versatile space, hosting temporary exhibitions and serving as a video area, providing an immersive experience for visitors. Additionally, a small shop offers souvenirs and mementos for visitors to take home.

Ascending to the first floor, visitors encounter the museum's permanent collections, which vividly recreate the atmosphere of a late 19th-century bourgeois household. From furniture and objects to costumes and jewelry, the exhibits offer insights into Creole life during this period. The collection includes a stunning array of West Indian dresses crafted from madras and brocade satin, known as douillettes, as well as exquisite Creole jewelry.

Throughout the museum, visitors can explore a diverse selection of paintings and engravings that chronicle significant historical milestones of Martinique, including the histories of Saint-Pierre and Fort-de-France. These artworks provide valuable insights into the island's past, offering a deeper understanding of its cultural evolution.

Venturing into the attic, visitors discover a treasure trove of knowledge within the museum's rich library dedicated to the study of slavery. With over a thousand works spanning the 17th to the 19th centuries, the library serves as a valuable resource for researchers and scholars interested in exploring this critical aspect of Martinique's history.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Fort-de-France. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Regional Museum of History and Ethnography on Map

Sight Name: Regional Museum of History and Ethnography
Sight Location: Fort-de-France, Martinique (See walking tours in Fort-de-France)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Fort-de-France, Martinique

Create Your Own Walk in Fort-de-France

Create Your Own Walk in Fort-de-France

Creating your own self-guided walk in Fort-de-France is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fort-de-France Introduction Walking Tour

Fort-de-France Introduction Walking Tour

While most visitors to Martinique come here for its beaches, one may find equal pleasure in spending a day exploring the lively hub of Fort-de-France, the capital of Martinique and the largest city in the French West Indies, whose bustling streets provide a stark contrast to the otherwise tranquil atmosphere of the island.

Back in the day, Martinique's strategic location made it a pivotal...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles