Blue Penny Museum
Updated: September 11, 2024
The Blue Penny Museum is one of the most famous and important museums in Mauritius, located in the island's capital, Port Louis. The museum is dedicated to the island's history and culture, and its main attraction is its rare and valuable collection of postage stamps, including the iconic blue and red penny.
Blue Penny Museum is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Saturday. The museum is closed on Sundays and public holidays. On 24 and 31 December, the museum closes earlier at 14:00 and the exhibition rooms close at 16:30.
Cost of admission tickets:
For adults (non-residents) - 325 MUR (6.5 €)
For children/students - 200 MUR (4 €)
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) - 820 MUR (16.5 €)
The museum's most famous exhibit is the two rarest and most expensive stamps in the world: the Blue Penny and the Red Penny.
These stamps were issued in Mauritius in 1847 and are known for their uniqueness and historical value. The stamps depict Queen Victoria and are symbols of the colonial era on the island. The original stamps are on display for short periods of time during the day to protect them from damage.
The museum also contains many exhibits related to the history of Mauritius. There are maps, engravings and artefacts that tell the different stages of the island's history, from discovery and colonisation to modern times.
In addition to philately, the museum also offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Mauritius, including its art and literature. The museum showcases the works of local artists, rare documents and books.
Blue Penny Museum is a must-visit for those interested in history, culture and rare artefacts related to Mauritius. It is a cultural gem of the island that allows you to immerse yourself in its colonial past and appreciate its contribution to world philately.