Blue Penny Museum
Discover Mauritius' rich postal history and rare stamps, including the iconic Blue Penny and Red Penny, in this charming museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better stamp viewing
Blue Penny Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better stamp viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Mauritius' rich postal history and rare stamps, including the iconic Blue Penny and Red Penny, in this charming museum.
"A must-see for its historical stamps and deep dive into Mauritian culture."
⏳ Stamp Viewing Schedule
The Blue Penny & Red Penny stamps are lit for only 5 mins/hour. Ask staff for the exact timing!
📸 No Photos Allowed
Photography is restricted inside the museum to protect the exhibits. Be mindful of this rule.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Blue Penny & Red Penny Stamps
Main Exhibit Hall
Witness the world-famous, rare stamps that are a cornerstone of Mauritian postal history.
Mauritius Postal History
Throughout the Museum
Explore fascinating exhibits detailing the evolution of the postal system and its cultural significance.
Art and Sculptures
Various Galleries
Admire impressive artworks and sculptures that reflect the cultural heritage of Mauritius.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to See the Blue Penny
Timing is Key for Stamp Viewing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Stamp Viewing Schedule
The Blue Penny & Red Penny stamps are lit for only 5 mins/hour. Ask staff for the exact timing!
📸 No Photos Allowed
Photography is restricted inside the museum to protect the exhibits. Be mindful of this rule.
🚶♀️ Revisit Exhibits
Take your time and go around at least twice; you might miss details on the first pass.
🏛️ Combine with Other Sites
Consider visiting after the Citadelle or Bank of Mauritius Museum for a full Port Louis experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Stamp Viewing Schedule
The Blue Penny & Red Penny stamps are lit for only 5 mins/hour. Ask staff for the exact timing!
📸 No Photos Allowed
Photography is restricted inside the museum to protect the exhibits. Be mindful of this rule.
🚶♀️ Revisit Exhibits
Take your time and go around at least twice; you might miss details on the first pass.
🏛️ Combine with Other Sites
Consider visiting after the Citadelle or Bank of Mauritius Museum for a full Port Louis experience.
💰 Tourist Entrance Fee
Expect an entrance fee of approximately Rs245 for tourists.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Blue Penny Museum for its unique collection, especially the iconic Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps, and its insightful exhibits on Mauritian postal history and art. While small, it offers a deep dive into the island's cultural heritage. Some note the limited viewing time for the stamps and the no-photography rule.
"Must see if you are in Port Louis. Small but very nice museum about history of Mauritius. There is also the famous stamps Blue Penny and Red Penny. These stamps are lit for 10 minutes every hour. Very interesting things about post history.
Highly recommend if you are in Mauricius."
Radka Nováková
"Take the time to go around at least twice as you'll miss things worth seeing on the first circuit. The Malcolm de Chazal exhibition was worth seeing if you like that sort of thing and included in the entrance fee. Not really my taste."
Peter Martin
"History of Mauritius and their famous stamps. Blue and Red Penny. You can see the originals which were bought back to Mauritius in 1993, but only few minutes every hour (the light turns on), not to destroy the stamps. It is only about "Post Office" versus "Post Paid" :-)"
Tomas Janik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Blue Penny Museum is located at the Port Louis Waterfront, making it easily accessible. You can reach it by taxi or public transport within Port Louis. Many visitors combine their trip with other attractions in the area like the Caudan Waterfront.
Yes, it's situated in the popular Port Louis Waterfront area, close to shopping centers and other cultural sites like the Natural History Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is typically open from Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sundays and public holidays. It's recommended to plan your visit for the early part of the day.
The entrance fee for tourists is around Rs245. It's advisable to check for any updated pricing closer to your visit.
Generally, advance booking is not required for the Blue Penny Museum. You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
Yes, the famous Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps are only illuminated for a few minutes each hour due to conservation reasons. Inquire at the museum for the specific viewing schedule.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features exhibits on the history of Mauritius, its postal system, and showcases the rare Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps. There are also art and sculpture collections.
No, photography is not allowed inside the museum to protect the delicate exhibits.
It's recommended to spend at least an hour, and potentially revisit exhibits, as there's a lot of detail to absorb.
The Malcolm de Chazal exhibition was previously available and included in the entrance fee. Availability may vary, so it's best to inquire upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Blue Penny Museum itself does not typically have dining facilities. However, it is located within the Port Louis Waterfront, which offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
You'll find numerous dining options at the adjacent Caudan Waterfront, ranging from local Mauritian cuisine to international dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum to preserve the exhibits.
The Port Louis Waterfront area offers scenic views and opportunities for photography, especially of the harbor and surrounding architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Collectors
🎨 Art Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Blue Penny and Red Penny Stamps
Visitors often express awe at seeing these historical artifacts firsthand. The museum provides context on their creation, their impact on postal history, and how they were eventually brought back to Mauritius. Understanding the difference between 'Post Office' (the original issue) and 'Post Paid' adds another layer of appreciation for philatelists and history buffs alike. The careful conservation efforts highlight the museum's commitment to preserving this vital piece of Mauritian heritage for future generations.
Exploring Mauritius' Cultural Heritage
The museum also features a significant collection of art and sculptures. These works often reflect the diverse influences that have shaped Mauritian identity, including European, African, and Asian artistic traditions. Exploring these pieces offers a visual narrative of the island's social and cultural landscape. Many visitors find these artistic displays to be as captivating as the philatelic exhibits, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.
For those interested in the broader history of Mauritius, the museum provides valuable insights. It's a place where you can learn about the island's past in an engaging and accessible manner. The combination of historical artifacts, postal history, and art makes the Blue Penny Museum a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the soul of Mauritius.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit