European Sailors sailed the vast Indian Ocean more than 2,500 kilometers off the coast of Africa to the islands of Mauritius. This lonely journey back in the 16th century without the help of modern technology was possible only due to the curiosity and courage of those ancient voyagers. First came the Portuguese, then Dutch, French and eventually the English, who also brought along the Indians. This is how the history of Mauritius started and it is this history that is documented and protected in the artifacts of the Blue Penny Museum.
About Blue Penny Museum
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You must be wondering — what sets Blue Penny Museum apart from the rest of the places for sightseeing in Mauritius? Here’s what makes this museum an unconventional choice for a tour.
- Two of the rarest stamps in the world – Blue Penny & Orange Stamps.
- Rare watercolor paintings and photographs of Mauritius history.
- Seven rooms full of documents, maps, and artifacts about Mauritius.
- The only comprehensive museum of history and art in all of Mauritius.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry fee: Adults: INR 518/- per person
Children: INR 253/- per person
Group of 10+ adults: INR 422/- per person
How to get to Blue Penny Museum: The Blue Penny Museum at Caudan Waterfront is a landmark. You can find it at Block A of the waterfront complex. The best way to reach here is via taxi which you can book through a tour operator.
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Significance Of Blue Penny Stamps
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The Blue Penny Museum Stamps are among the most valuable stamps in the world. Philatelists, the collectors of stamps, value the rarity of the Mauritius Stamps of which only 27 are remaining today of the 1,000 stamps that were printed. They are so valuable that in 1993, the collection of two stamps of a private collector ‘Hiroyuki Kanai’ was sold at a whopping $4 million! One of each of the famous ‘Post Office’ stamps — the orange-red One Penny stamp and the Royal Blue Two Penny stamp — can be seen here.
Must Read: 8 Best Heritage Places In Mauritius That Are Perfect For The Explorer In You!
Blue Penny Museum: Insider’s Peek
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The Blue Penny Museum inside is divided into two floors. The ground floor has a souvenir shop and a temporary exhibition room. The first floor has several exhibition rooms. Here are other things you must know.
- The Age of Discovery: This room is about the story of the pioneers who first navigated the ocean to reach the Mascarene Islands. It houses old maps reporting this journey.
- The Island Builders: Three main periods of Mauritius’s history are covered here – The Dutch Period, The French Period and the English Taking Over.
- Port Louis: This room covers the beginnings and the history of Port Louis.
- The Postal Adventure: This room showcases the postal history of Mauritius. You can see two stamps of the famous Blue Penny collection here.
- Engraved Memory: The first person to engrave stamps in Mauritius was Joseph Osmond Barnard. This room is a tribute to him.
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Places To Visit Around Blue Penny Museum
The area surrounding Blue Penny Museum has several interesting museums that are a repository of culturally and historically relevant artefacts. These museums will definitely catch the interest of history buffs:
1. Mauritius Postal Museum
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The museum is one of the finest places to visit in Mauritius and was built in 1868. It now houses the history of the postal department in Mauritius. The museum offers a glimpse into the cultural and historical heritage of Mauritius and houses many important artefacts. We suggest you to visit the museum in the morning to avoid the afternoon rush.
Distance from Blue Penny Museum: 3.6 KM
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2. Photography Museum
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This is one of the best photography museums in the world and has a collection of cameras dating from 1842 when they were called as daguerreotypes. There is also a collection of old photographs of sugar plantations and other spots in Mauritius. You’re prohibited from taking your camera inside, so as enticing as it is kindly try not to sneak one in.
Distance from Blue Penny Museum: 2.9 KM
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Tips For Visiting Blue Penny Museum
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Here’s a few tips that you absolutely must not miss out on reading before you visit Blue Penny Museum to make wonderful memories that will last you a lifetime:
- Please maintain decorum inside the museum.
- The original Blue Penny stamps are lit up and on show only for ten minutes at the 25th minute mark for each hour. This is done to preserve the stamps and avoid damage from light.
- Photography is not permitted inside Blue Penny Museum in Port Louis. Keep your phones and camera inside your luggage. Also, you cannot bring any water or snacks inside the building.
- The boutique closes at 4:30 PM, so make sure if you are there in the latter part of the day to finish your shopping by then.
Further Read: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden: Ideal Spot For A Day Tour In Mauritius!
Blue Penny Museum is one of the finest museums in Mauritius fascinating historical artefacts so book your trip to Mauritius with TravelTriangle and enjoy the splendid time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the entry fee for Blue Penny Museum?
A. The entry fee for an adult is INR 518 and for a child is INR 253.
Q. How many rooms are there in the museum?
A. There are 7 rooms in the museum.
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