BLUE PENNY MUSEUM

The route unfolds like a journey in the footsteps of the successive explorers and occupations of the island. There is an extensive collection of historical and artistic works, including maps and navigational instruments dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, prints, books, documents on the different colonial periods, an entire room of plans, engravings and ancient lithographs from Port Louis, an exploration of the island's postal history since Dutch times and a collection of art objects and documents on the legendary couple Paul and Virginia whose original edition of the novel is on display in the museum. One of the highlights of the place is an exceptional collection of locally produced stamps, including 2 of the most famous and expensive stamps in the world: one of the two 1 penny vermilion Post Offices and one of the four 2 pence blue unused Post Offices. These two landmark pieces of Mauritian history recall the island's importance in world philately, since Mauritius was the fifth country in the world in 1847 and the first British colony to produce postage stamps. They were acquired in 1993 for US$2.2 million.

On site, a souvenir shop offers original products from the museum's collection: collection stamps, thematic envelopes, postcards, stationery, T-shirts, books, philatelic products... Next door, a room houses regular temporary exhibitions.