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Musée Stella Matutina (Le)

Museum in Piton Saint-leu, Saint-Leu
  • Stella Matutina Museum, in an old sugar factory of the same name, opened in 1991.
    For 20 years, it was a place where the public could come to learn about the industrial techniques used in sugar cane production, as well as glean information about the history of Reunion Island and its people.
    In 2011, the Reunion region embarked on a project to completely renovate the museum and its site, as part of a new scientific and cultural programme. Stella Matutina bears the “Musée de France” accreditation.

  • The revamped museum takes visitors on a journey exploring the intertwined history of sugar and the Bourbon (now Reunion) Island, highlighting the various cultural and economic features specific to this island in the Indian Ocean.
    In the 19th century, Reunion abandoned coffee growing in favour of sugar cane production. The men and women who enabled this agro-industry to exist, grow and innovate are recreated in the museum's displays, a reflection of Réunion\'s society and identity.
    The Museum...
    The revamped museum takes visitors on a journey exploring the intertwined history of sugar and the Bourbon (now Reunion) Island, highlighting the various cultural and economic features specific to this island in the Indian Ocean.
    In the 19th century, Reunion abandoned coffee growing in favour of sugar cane production. The men and women who enabled this agro-industry to exist, grow and innovate are recreated in the museum's displays, a reflection of Réunion\'s society and identity.
    The Museum also highlights the role of industry on the island, describing how sugar-making techniques have developed over nearly 200 years, and illustrating manufacturing processes using the impressive machinery in the factory.
    The tour ends with a nostalgic wander back through time, looking at the "Chinese boutique" and the island’s open air buses.
    The new Stella Matutina, where everyone can explore as they please and at their own pace, will amaze and delight, educate and inspire.
    Practical information:
    -You should allow approximately 1½ hours for your tour. Full, comprehensive tour: 3 hours.
    -The entire site is suitable for people with reduced mobility.
    -Ticket office closes at 4:00 pm.
    Note:
    -Closed on 1 January, 1 May, 1 November and 25 December.
    -The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 am to 5.30 pm continuously.
    -A new generation 400 seat auditorium
    Teaching and learning spaces
    Documentation centre
    Meeting rooms
    -A shop full of exotic flavours and aromas selling an extensive range of local produce and handicrafts
    A temporary exhibition hall
  • Environment
    • Rural
  • Spoken languages
    • French
    • English
Services
  • Accessibility
    • Mobility impaired
  • Equipment
    • Boutique / specialised products
Rates
Payment methods
  • Visa
  • Eurocard - Mastercard
  • Cheque
  • Cash
Openings
  • All year
  • Tuesday
    9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday
    9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday
    9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Saturday
    9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Sunday
    9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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