Mauritius Postal Museum
A Glimpse into History
Discover Mauritius postal museum.
About the postal museum
Located in the capital city by the waterfront, the General Post Office, a historical mid-Victorian style building erected between 1865 and 1870, and listed as a national monument in 1958, was converted into a Postal Museum in 2008. This museum presents the major events that marked the history of postal services in Mauritius.
Historical highlights
Visitors are invited to discover the first mail exchange on the island during the Dutch occupation (1638-1715), the establishment of the first official postal service by the French (1715-1810), and the major developments in postal services by the British (1810-1968). Highlights include the introduction of postage stamps (1d Red Penny and 2d Blue Pence, 1847) and the railway in the colony. Sam Le Facteur, our friendly postman character, will delight younger visitors by relating the history in a playful manner.
Enhancing your visit
Guided visits
Complimentary guided tours on request, with our Heritage Guide Officer offering insights throughout the museum's history.
Opening hours and accessibility
Monday to Friday: 09:15 to 16:45
Saturday: 09:15 to 12:45
Closed: Sunday and Public Holidays
Museum shop
Purchase exclusive numismatic products and collection of stamps, craft products, philatelic materials, and books on Mauritius' fauna, flora, and history.
Philatelic bureau
Access a wide range of philatelic items such as Postage Stamps, First Day Covers, Stamp Packs, Special Commemorative Covers, and Souvenir Sheets.
Digital service counter
Replenish mobile credits, photocopy services, internet and printing facilities, and e-services like learner applications, Mau pass, Mau Sign, etc.
Online shop
Shop for products from the Post Shop and Philatelic Bureau online at https://www.mauritiuspost.mu/product-category/postshop/
Entrance Fees for Resident
Child 0 - 10 yrs - Free
Child 11 - 17 yrs - Rs 25.00
Adult 18 - 59 yrs - Rs 50.00
Adult 60 + yrs - Free
Family fare
2 adults + 2 children 11 - 17 yrs - Rs 135.00
Group fare
10 to 14 Adults - Rs 45.00
15 Adults or more - Rs 40.00
Entrance Fees for Non – Resident
Child 0 - 7 yrs - Free
Child 8 - 17 yrs - Rs 90.00
Adult 18 - 59 yrs - Rs 150.00
Adult 60 + yrs - Rs 90.00
Family fare
2 adults + 2 children 11 - 17 yrs - Rs 440.00
Group fare
10 to 14 Adults - Rs 135.00
15 Adults or more - Rs 120.00
Penny Red
In 1846, Mauritius became the fifth country in the world and the first British Colony to require prepayment of postal charges using postage stamps. This significant milestone in postal history saw the creation of the Penny Red and 2 Pence Blue stamps. Designed by jeweler Joseph Barnard, these locally produced stamps featured the words “Post Office Mauritius,” replicating a date stamp in use since the 1820s. With only 500 stamps of each value printed, they quickly sold out. Today, only 12 of these rare stamps remain, and their fame is amplified by the supposed error and scarcity.
Junior Philately Club
Complete this form to become a member of the Junior Philately Club. As a member, you’ll receive invitations to special events and activities organized for children.
Penny Blue
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Mauritius’ stamp history
The history of postage stamps in Mauritius is a testament to the island’s rich postal heritage. From the French colonial period to its remarkable milestones under British rule, the evolution of the postal system in Mauritius reflects significant developments in global postal history.
Establishment of the postal department
Pierre Nicolas Lambert, the King’s printer, established the Postal Department during the French colonial period.
He published a weekly newspaper and guaranteed his subscribers free inland mail delivery once a week, along with dispatching overseas mail.
British Takeover
When the British took control of Mauritius, the existing postal system had deteriorated.
Pressured by local demands, the British government revived the postal service in 1834, initially providing a weekly service between Port Louis and Mahebourg. During this period, mail delivery was conducted using horse-drawn carts.
Revitalization of the postal system
The British Government announced an experimental postal service, which began on May 19, 1834, between Port Louis and Mahebourg.
Due to its success, the service increased to thrice weekly from January 1, 1835.
Introduction of the Postage Stamp
Sir Rowland Hill’s invention of the postage stamp in 1840 revolutionized global postal systems.
Mauritius followed suit in 1847, becoming one of the first countries to issue its own postage stamps.
Ordinance No. 13
The promulgation of Ordinance No. 13 introduced standardized postage rates for inland mail in Mauritius.
The delivery tariff was set at 1d for town deliveries and 2d for other localities.
Issuance of the first postage stamps
On September 21, 1847, Mauritius issued two postage stamps—the One Penny Orange-Red and the Two Pence Deep Blue—engraved and
printed by Joseph Osmond Barnard. These stamps, known as the “Post Office” stamps, are among the most famous and sought-after stamps in the world.
The Barnard post paid stamps
Following the initial success, the Barnard Post Paid stamps were issued from 1848 to 1858.
These locally printed classics were produced using Barnard’s original printing plates.
Lapirot, Sherwin, and Dardenne Stamps
The year 1859 saw the issue of the Lapirot Postpaid, Sherwin Postpaid, and Dardenne lithographs.
These stamps, re-engraved by Jules Lapirot and Robert Sherwin, continued the legacy of the One Penny and Two Pence denominations.
Display of classic stamps
A set of two unused 1847 stamps were purchased by a consortium of leading Mauritian companies in 1993
and are now on display in a museum in Port Louis, preserving the legacy of Mauritius’ philatelic heritage.
