New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

This place is an interesting and fun museum that is filled with captive artifacts - while also showing a bit of the history of pharmacy. The items on display offer a glimpse into the past, making it easy to imagine how people lived and worked in earlier times. What I found great about this place, is that it appeals even to those who don't usually enjoy museums! My wife, who often finds museums boring, was genuinely glad we stopped by, and she really enjoyed this place! The visit was self-guided, which added to the experience, allowing us to take our time and fully appreciate everything on display. I definitely recommend everyone to check out the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. This museum is a unique and enjoyable experience worth checking out whether you like museums or not. I am certain everyone in your group will enjoy at last some part of this museum!

Date of visit: December 21, 2024This was high on our list of sites to check out during our time in New Orleans, but man, what a letdown.Things started out nice with a very friendly and welcoming docent that handled our ticket purchases and provided us with the Self-Guided Tour sheet, but it all went downhill from there. Very little of what is here has much explanation to it. There are many jars, vials, and bottles, but next to nothing to tell you what these things were used for, if they are still around, or if they actually had any medicinal value.Upstairs is more about the history of pharmacies in New Orleans, and while interesting, it isn't particularly well organized. While the $10 admission is not much, it also shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes to look through the museum, so not a great return on the investment.

During our trip to New Orleans, my husband and I visited the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, and it was such a unique and fascinating experience! Located in the French Quarter, this museum is a must-see for anyone interested in history, medicine, or quirky attractions.A Blend of History and MysteryThe Pharmacy Museum is housed in a historic 19th-century apothecary shop, originally owned by Louis J. Dufilho Jr., the first licensed pharmacist in the United States. Dufilho achieved this distinction after passing the nation's first licensing exam in the early 1800s, a milestone that helped establish higher standards in the pharmaceutical industry. Before this, pharmacy practices were unregulated, often leading to dangerous treatments and misdiagnoses.The museum's darker history began when Dr. Joseph Dupas acquired the building. Dr. Dupas reportedly conducted horrific experiments on enslaved pregnant women, and his ghost, along with the spirits of his victims and Dufilho's deceased children, is said to haunt the museum to this day. The eerie atmosphere adds a chilling dimension to the historical exhibits.We opted not to take the guided tour to save money, but as we were about to walk in, we overheard a lady leading a tour mention that pregnant women often feel a burning sensation or start to feel unwell near the museum. It made us wonder if the guided tour might have been worth it, but we decided to rely on our own research instead.What to ExpectThe museum features an incredible collection of 19th-century medical artifacts, including old medicines, surgical tools, and apothecary jars. You'll also find fascinating exhibits on questionable medical practices of the past, such as bloodletting, leeches, and voodoo remedies.One of the highlights was learning about how pharmacists in the 1800s combined science with mysticism to treat their patients. The displays are both educational and entertaining, offering a glimpse into how far medicine has come while acknowledging its darker chapters.Pro Tips * General admission is $10. * Seniors 65+, students, people with disabilities, and military can enter for $7. * Children 6 and under get in for free. * Photography and video recording are allowed. * The museum is located near plenty of other French Quarter attractions, so it's easy to make it part of your day exploring the area.Final ThoughtsThe New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a hidden gem that offers a mix of history, science, and a touch of the macabre. My husband and I had a great time learning about the fascinating and sometimes unsettling world of 19th-century medicine. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of the paranormal, or just looking for a unique experience, this museum is a must-see in New Orleans.

The pharmacy museum is worth the visit. I know, it doesn't sound like much, but the exhibit and the history is wild! And I don't want to be the only person that knows how they reconstructed noses back in the day!

This is the oldest pharmacy I was here for a wedding. What a great venue, quaint and intimate. Just the right size for small parties of 50 or less. The staff were amazing. Tammie was amazing to work with. She had great ideas on her entrance, photo locations, and her execution was perfect.My daughter was extremely pleased with her wedding event. Tammee is a great representation of The Pharmacy and Southern Hospitality.Thank you for being so accommodating and gracious Ms. Tammee

We came on a whim and ended up doing the self-guided tour. The space itself is very small, but there are a lot of knick-knacks to look at and read about which could easily last you a full hour if you're taking your time. I personally found the history of the pharmacy and its previous tenants the most interesting. The courtyard is a bit barren but offers a nice break in between all the reading and learning you'll do.

Super cool place! $10 at the door. The place has a lot to see and it's well worth it. They have a great depiction of the history of of pharmacy, and so much cool information about how it played out in New Orleans. The courtyard outback is gorgeous, we even saw a couple touring it as a wedding venue!Don't miss the little gift shop /counter either! They have a great selection of things by local artists. If you're interested in stuff like this it is a must stop. And it is always a cool place nonetheless.

Dude, it's sick.I don't mean to be a pill, but the guided tour is a bit pricey for the square footage. Still, it's a non-profit so I shouldn't complain. They have a license to ill.

Great museum with so much information and interesting facts on both the history of pharmacy and its place in New Orleans. I enjoyed the exhibit on HBCUs and how they are tied directly to pharmacy. I can't wait to go back and take a guided tour where I am sure I will learn even more.

Owen, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable, sharing a lot about New Orleans, the history of the city, pharmacy, medicine, food. Very interesting facts, objects, and stories! Really had a great time here. Would book online to reserve a spot. It was definitely worth your time and money. If you are visiting NOLA, this is a must!