Blue Penny Museum (famous stamps)
Blue Penny Museum is Mauritius’s premier philatelic and cultural museum, located at the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis. It is best known for housing (on display or loaned exhibits) Mauritius’s legendary 1847 "Post Office" stamps — the rare Blue Penny and Red Penny — alongside a broader collection that explores Mauritius’s postal history, maritime heritage, colonial past and visual arts. The museum combines traditional exhibits with interactive displays and high-resolution digital magnification to let visitors study tiny stamp details up close.
Location
Caudan Waterfront, Blue Penny Museum, Port Louis, Mauritius
Duration
1–2 hours (typical visit)
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; weekday mornings are best to avoid crowds. Cooler months (May–November) make walking around the Port Louis area more pleasant.
Pricing
Approximate entry fees (subject to change) — Adult: MUR 300–600; Concessions (students/seniors/children): reduced rates typically 30–50% off adult price; Children under 6: often free. Guided tours or special access may carry an extra fee. Always check the museum’s official website or contact them directly for current prices and ticketing options.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Original or authenticated reproductions of the 1847 "Post Office" stamps (Blue Penny and Red Penny) — the museum’s iconic attraction
High-resolution digital microscopes and magnified displays for close inspection of minute stamp details
Exhibits on Mauritius postal, maritime and colonial history
Temporarily rotating exhibitions of art and historical artifacts
Educational displays on stamp production, printing techniques and philately
Museum shop with souvenirs, stamp reproductions and publications
Convenient location at Caudan Waterfront — easy walking access to Port Louis attractions
Itinerary
Purchase tickets and collect any audio guides or visitor leaflets
Check opening hours and ticket types; allow a few minutes for security/entry.
View the Blue Penny/Red Penny exhibits and associated philatelic displays
Use the digital magnifiers and read the context panels to understand rarity and history.
Explore exhibits on postal routes, maritime history and colonial-era artifacts
Displays explain how stamps connect to wider Mauritian history.
Visit rotating exhibits — may feature art, photography or special philatelic loans
Time spent varies depending on current exhibition.
Browse the museum shop; walk around Caudan Waterfront for dining and nearby attractions
Combine with visits to the Central Market, Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO site) or Port Louis harbor.
Safety Requirements
Observe museum rules — no touching exhibits unless explicitly permitted
No flash photography for sensitive items; some areas may prohibit all photography
Keep children under close supervision around display cases
Follow staff instructions for access to delicate or restricted items
Check accessibility options in advance if mobility assistance is required
Tips
Check the official website or call ahead for current opening hours, ticket prices and any temporary closures
Book tickets online or arrive early on weekends/holidays to avoid queues
Ask about guided tours or curator talks — they add valuable context for the rare stamps
Use the museum’s magnification displays and read label copy carefully — the story behind the stamps is as interesting as the objects
Combine your visit with nearby Caudan Waterfront attractions and the Central Market for a full half-day in Port Louis
Bring a small camera (respecting photo rules) and a notebook if you’re a philately enthusiast
If you’re traveling with limited time, prioritize the main stamp gallery — the Blue Penny/Red Penny story is the highlight
