Mauritius Postal Museum
Port Louis
The Mauritius Postal Museum, located in Port Louis, Mauritius, is housed in a historic Victorian building originally constructed as the General Post Office between 1865 and 1870. This iconic structure, exemplifying colonial Victorian architecture, served as the hub for the island's postal and telegraph services, with the Postmaster General residing on-site. Since its conversion into a museum in 2001, it showcases the evolution of postal and telecommunications history on the island, including the first mail exchanges during Dutch occupation and the establishment of official services under French and British rule. Although the museum highlights the introduction of postage stamps, including the famous Penny Red and 2 Pence Blue issued in 1847, these rare stamps are displayed at the nearby Blue Penny Museum. Visitors can learn about significant postal milestones and the role of the railway in mail transportation. The museum offers guided tours and engaging exhibits, including a playful character named Sam Le Facteur to captivate younger audiences. It also features a philatelic bureau and shop offering stamps, collectibles, and books related to Mauritius' heritage.
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Tip: Visit the Mauritius Postal Museum on weekdays between 08:30 and 16:30 or Saturday mornings for a comprehensive experience. Consider booking a complimentary guided tour in advance to gain deeper insights. Young visitors can enjoy interactive storytelling with Sam Le Facteur. Explore the philatelic bureau for unique stamp collections and souvenirs. Check for available discounts for residents, children, seniors, families, and groups before your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The Mauritius Postal Museum building is a fine example of Victorian colonial architecture, similar to public buildings found in India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Trinidad, and Guyana.
- •Mauritius was the fifth country worldwide and the first British colony to mandate prepayment of postal charges via postage stamps in 1846.
- •The famous Penny Red and 2 Pence Blue stamps, issued in 1847, were designed by local jeweler Joseph Barnard and are among the rarest stamps globally, with only a dozen known to survive.
- •The building served not only as a post office but also housed the Postmaster General's residence and the Central Telegraph Office starting in 1877.
- •The museum offers a character named Sam Le Facteur who narrates postal history in an engaging way for children.
History
The building that now houses the Mauritius Postal Museum was constructed between 1865 and 1870 as the General Post Office, replacing an earlier facility dating back to 1847.
It was designed under the supervision of surveyor general Morrison and built by about 80 workers at a cost of £10,000 to £11,000.
The building became the main post office for Mauritius and also accommodated the Central Telegraph Office from 1877.
It was designated a listed national monument in 1958 under British colonial governance, with its protected status reaffirmed by subsequent Mauritian heritage laws.
The museum itself opened in 2001, preserving and presenting the island's postal history within this historically significant structure.
Place Guide
Victorian General Post Office Building1865-1870
This historic building, constructed between 1865 and 1870, exemplifies mid-Victorian colonial architecture and was the central hub for postal and telegraph services in Mauritius during the British colonial era.
Postal History Exhibits
Exhibits detail the development of postal services from the Dutch occupation through French and British administrations, including the introduction of postage stamps and the impact of the railway on mail transport.
Philatelic Bureau and Museum Shop
Visitors can access a wide range of philatelic products including postage stamps, first day covers, stamp packs, and commemorative covers. The museum shop also offers books and craft products related to Mauritius' fauna, flora, and history.
Contact
Phone: 213 4812
