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Blue Penny Museum
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The Blue Penny Museum, located at the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, is a world-class cultural institution dedicated to the history and art of Mauritius. Opened in 2001, it is most famous for housing two of the rarest stamps in existence: the 1847 'Post Office' Blue Penny and Red Penny. These philatelic treasures are so sensitive to light that they are only illuminated for ten minutes every hour to preserve their brilliant colors. Beyond the stamps, the museum gives a comprehensive journey through the island's maritime past, featuring antique nautical charts, period paintings, and historical documents from the Dutch, French, and British eras. A highlight for literary enthusiasts is the original manuscript of Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's 1788 novel, 'Paul et Virginie', a cornerstone of Mauritian cultural identity. The galleries are expertly curated, blending historical artifacts with modern display techniques to tell the story of Port Louis's development as a strategic Indian Ocean hub. Whether you are interested in rare collectibles, colonial history, or local art, the Blue Penny Museum provides a fascinating and detailed look at what makes this island nation unique.
- Location: Mauritius
- Top sights: Blue Penny Museum · Centre d'Arts Caudan · Odysseo
- Nearby: Crève Coeur (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 128 | 116 | 122 | 67 | 41 | 29 | 26 | 21 | 24 | 29 | 29 | 44 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Blue Penny Museum in Port Louis is an indoor museum that can be visited for an entrance fee. It showcases the art and history of the island, including the rare Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps.
Typical hours
The museum is typically open Tuesday to Saturday, roughly from 10:00 to 16:00, similar to most Mauritius museums. Sunday and Monday are usually closed; check the website before your visit.
Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the exhibition rooms without flash to protect the delicate exhibits. The stamps are behind glass and require a steady hand for good close-up shots.
Time needed
Allow about one hour for the main exhibition if you take time to read the texts. For a deeper look at the artworks and stamps, set aside 1.5 hours.
Combine with
The museum is located in the Caudan Waterfront complex, so shopping and dining are right at your doorstep. The nearby Fort Adelaide (Citadelle) and Champ de Mars racecourse are also worth a visit.
Getting there
The Blue Penny Museum is centrally located in Port Louis, easily reachable on foot from the bus station or city centre. Parking garages are at Caudan Waterfront with moderate fees.
Insider tip
Ask at reception for a free audio guide that provides interesting background on the stamps. Plan your visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend tourist crowds.
Geography
Facts
- Opened in the year 2001
- Located at Caudan Waterfront
- Possesses the 1847 Penny stamps
- Collection of old maritime maps
- Statue of Paul and Virginie
- Acquisition of stamps in 1993
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Blue Penny Museum (10)
Postal Museum🏛 museum
Postal museum in Port Louis.
Musée d'Histoire🏛 museum
History museum in Port Louis.
Central Market
Covered market in Port Louis.
Léoville L'Homme
Street or square in Port Louis.
Marie Barthelemy
Street or square in Port Louis.
Jummah Mosque
Mosque in Port Louis, Mauritius.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Blue Penny Museum?
A museum for art and history, particularly known for its rare stamps.
When is it open?
Usually daily except Sundays.
Where is the museum located?
It is located in the 'Caudan Waterfront' complex in Port Louis.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 60 to 90 minutes.
Is photography allowed in the museum?
Photography of the valuable stamps is usually prohibited due to their sensitivity to light.
Blue Penny Museum: where is it located?
Blue Penny Museum is located in Mauritius.
Blue Penny Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Blue Penny Museum, Centre d'Arts Caudan, Odysseo.
Blue Penny Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Blue Penny Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Blue Penny Museum, located at the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, is a world-class cultural institution dedicated to the history and art of Mauritius.
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