Plizio Visual Lab

Postal Museum

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Mauritius Postal Museum is housed in one of Port Louis' most distinguished historical buildings: the old General Post Office, completed in 1868. Located prominently on the waterfront, this massive stone structure is a prime example of Victorian colonial architecture. The museum showcases the rich history of the island's postal service, which was the first in the British Empire to issue stamps outside of Great Britain. Visitors can explore a vast collection of philatelic treasures, antique letterboxes, telegraph equipment, and vintage uniforms. A major highlight is the history of the world-famous "Blue Penny" and "Red Penny" stamps, which are among the rarest and most valuable in the world. The exhibits offer a fascinating look at how this remote island maintained vital communication links with the rest of the world before the age of modern technology. Its location near the Caudan Waterfront makes it an essential stop for anyone interested in the colonial history and global significance of Mauritius.

Location: Mauritius
Top sights: Moulin · Musée d'Histoire · Postal Museum
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

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Visiting

The Postal Museum is located in the old General Post Office in Port Louis and is open to visitors. Entry is ticketed, and the interior exhibits tell the story of Mauritius' postal evolution.

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Typical hours

Opening hours follow standard museum patterns, typically open on weekdays and Saturday mornings. Sundays and public holidays are usually closed; always check current times in advance.

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Photography

Photography inside is usually allowed without flash to protect the exhibits. The prominent stone building from outside also makes a good photo subject.

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Time needed

A visit typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to see the exhibits thoroughly. Stamp collectors may want extra time for the rare philatelic collections.

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Combine with

Combine the museum with a walk through historic Port Louis. The Government House, the market, and the Blue Penny Museum are all within walking distance.

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Getting there

The museum is in downtown Port Louis on the main street. It is walkable from many hotels and bus stops; parking in the area is limited.

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Insider tip

Visit the museum in the morning to avoid crowds. Ask at the ticket desk about guided tours, which often provide extra background on the exhibits.