Blue Penny Museum: A Treasure Trove of Mauritian History and Art

Located in the bustling Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, the Blue Penny Museum is a testament to the rich history and art of Mauritius. The museum, which opened its doors in November 2001, was founded by The Mauritius Commercial Bank.

One of the most prized collections of the museum includes the iconic 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps. These rare stamps were purchased in 1993 by a consortium of Mauritian enterprises, headed by The Mauritius Commercial Bank, for a staggering $2,000,000. After being away from their country of origin for nearly 150 years, they were finally brought back to Mauritius. However, due to their age and the need for preservation, the originals are illuminated only temporarily, with copies on display most of the time.

The museum also proudly displays the original statue of Paul and Virginia, created in 1881 by Prosper d'Épinay, adding another layer of cultural richness to the museum's collection.

The Blue Penny Museum, dedicated entirely to Mauritius, features a vast array of collections that reflect the historical and cultural wealth of the island. The exhibits offer a step back in time, beginning with the era of great maritime explorations in the Indian Ocean, followed by an overview of the three colonial periods in Mauritius's history. A snapshot of 18th and 19th century Port Louis sets the stage for the tale of the history of postal services, particularly highlighting the first postage stamps issued in Mauritius - the world-renowned Post Office stamps. The museum's tour culminates with the tragic yet beautiful story of the legendary couple, Paul and Virginie.

The Blue Penny Museum of African Modern Art offers a captivating exploration of Mauritian art and history, making it a must-visit for anyone curious to delve into the depths of the country's rich heritage.

Please note the museum's policies:

• Photography is not permitted inside the museum of African Modern Art.
• The Post Office stamps are displayed for only 10 minutes on the half-hour of every opening hour to protect these philatelic gems from damage due to exposure to sunlight.
• Food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum of African Modern Art.

Discover more Museums of African Modern Art>