Ancient sailing tools, documents and rare editions, woodcut and lithographs, all these valuables reflect the historical and cultural heritage of Mauritius. Its six exhibition halls invite the visitors to immerse themselves in the heart of a true and legendary Mauritius.

One is quite taken by the idea of dropping by at the Blue Penny Museum. This small museum, located at the Caudan waterfront in Port Louis, intends to introduce ones to the rich history of the island.

Founded by the Mauritius Commercial Bank, this museum of art and history is named after the first two stamps issued in 1847 in Mauritius, during the British Empire. Interactive and entertaining, it presents a collection of precious heritage within a modern and dynamic scenography, devoted entirely to Mauritius and its region.

The tour is like a trip into the past. We, alternately walk in the footsteps of the early explorers and those who have marked the history of the island. One'll be pleased to discover the daily life of the early inhabitants of the island in a subdued atmosphere along with background music, a reconstitution of the surrounding at that time.

As our steps lead us, we leave the Dutch period to get a glimpse of Mauritius being a French colony in those days. A few recollections of this period have been retrieved by the museum to be exhibited. The forerunner of the mailbox and a wooden pitcher, surprises us at every turn of the corridor and we tend to imagine of how life was in those days.

Paul and Virginie

The ground-floor is entirely devoted to the two lovers, Paul and Virginie. Both characters, drawn from the novel of Bernadin de Saint-Pierre, almost form an integral part of the Mauritian history.

One can thus, marvel at the original book publishing of this French writer, as well as the paintings of other local artists depicting the passionate love which unite the two lovers. A white marble sculpture portraying Virginie in the arms of her lover is found in the middle of the room.

The major one remains, of course, the prestigious stamps: "Post Office." The legend wants that the initial issue of the stamps were printed with the wrong wording and the quirk of these stamps was that they had "Post Office" instead of the more conventional "Post Paid" printed on the side.

The stamps were already printed when one realised the mistake and is immediately ceased. In fact, 500 copies of orange and as many blue have been printed.

Today, there is less than ten and they are priceless. The Blue Penny has bought two for more than two million dollars. The philatelists from all over the world come to have a look at these copies which are highly secured.

The tour lasts an hour. One may end ones visit at the essential souvenirs shop to discover the island's history through books.

Text: Guillaume Gouges - photos: Blue Penny Museum