New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Step back in time at the 1823 New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, exploring antique remedies and eerie history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the 1823 New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, exploring antique remedies and eerie history.
"A guided tour here is like a time machine, filled with wit, wisdom, and historical immersion."
🎯 Guided Tours are a Must!
Visitors rave about the engaging guides who make history feel like time travel. :star2:
👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe
Many report eerie feelings and paranormal activity, especially near the courtyard. :ghost:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Antique Apothecary Collection
Main exhibition halls
Marvel at centuries-old medicine bottles, surgical tools, and bizarre historical remedies.

The Courtyard's Mysterious Aura
Rear courtyard
Experience the rumored paranormal activity and soak in the unique atmosphere of this historic space.

Interactive Historical Narratives
Throughout the museum
Engage with exhibits detailing the evolution of pharmacy and early medical practices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Eerie & Educational
Timing is Key for a Deeper Dive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours are a Must!
Visitors rave about the engaging guides who make history feel like time travel. :star2:
👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe
Many report eerie feelings and paranormal activity, especially near the courtyard. :ghost:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You could easily spend a couple of hours reading all the fascinating historical details. :clock1:
💰 Worth the Entrance Fee
The $10 entrance fee is considered a good value for the unique experience. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours are a Must!
Visitors rave about the engaging guides who make history feel like time travel. :star2:
👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe
Many report eerie feelings and paranormal activity, especially near the courtyard. :ghost:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You could easily spend a couple of hours reading all the fascinating historical details. :clock1:
💰 Worth the Entrance Fee
The $10 entrance fee is considered a good value for the unique experience. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the History
The museum is visually rich with antique artifacts and historical displays. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum for its fascinating collection of antique medical artifacts and its rich historical context. Many highlight the engaging guided tours as a standout experience, bringing the past to life with wit and wisdom. While some note the building could use a bit of 'TLC,' the overall consensus is that it's a unique and highly recommended stop for anyone interested in medical history or a touch of the supernatural.
"One of the most interesting museums I’ve ever been to. Filled with old medical tools, medicine bottles, and information about it all. There are so many interesting facts to read about and the building is part of the history too! If you enjoy learning about medical history, and/or seeing how far medicine has come, you’ll enjoy this museum. I think I could have spent at least a couple hours here reading and looking at everything. It’s really fascinating."
Heidi Zungrone
"The Guided Tour is the way to go at this historic and delightful museum. The Guides perform hour long journey in a time machine full of wit and wisdom. They are so engaging and informative. I learned so much about the medicinal history, and also the history of New Orleans. Its a unique and special spot!"
Abigail Gullo
"Grace, our tour guide, did a phenomenal job. Her presentation and ability to communicate the story really made you fill like you were living in the past during each advancements throughout her story. (Time travel). The history,, artifacts, building, are all a great depiction into the past and how pharmacy has evolved over time."
A & J Kacarka
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is located in the heart of the French Quarter at 514 Chartres Street. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the area. Public transportation options like streetcars also run nearby, with stops a short walk away. Parking in the French Quarter can be challenging and expensive, so consider ride-sharing services or public transport if you're not staying within walking distance.
Yes, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is situated in the historic French Quarter, making it a convenient stop while exploring the neighborhood.
For those without a car, walking is ideal if you're in the French Quarter. Alternatively, the RTA streetcar lines (like the French Quarter/Canal line) can get you close, and then it's a short stroll to the museum.
While there are parking garages and street parking in the French Quarter, it's often limited and costly. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Absolutely! Jackson Square is just a few blocks away from the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, making it a very walkable distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is typically around $10 per person. This price is considered a good value by many visitors for the unique historical experience offered.
While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance, especially for guided tours, is recommended to secure your spot, particularly during busy periods.
The museum generally operates during standard daytime hours, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours and any potential closures.
Yes, a self-guided tour is available, allowing you to explore at your own pace by reading information cards in each room. However, many visitors highly recommend the guided tour for a more engaging experience.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is best found on the museum's official website. It's always worth checking for any available promotions before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a vast collection of antique medical instruments, pharmaceutical bottles, early medicines, and exhibits detailing historical healthcare practices and superstitious cures. The building itself is also a historical artifact.
Many visitors and staff report experiencing paranormal activity and eerie occurrences, contributing to its reputation as a haunted location. The museum highlights its 'dark history' alongside its medical exhibits.
A self-guided tour might take about an hour, but visitors who want to read all the information and truly absorb the history suggest allocating at least two hours. Guided tours are typically around an hour long.
The museum offers a unique historical perspective, but some of the medical exhibits might be graphic or unsettling for very young children. It's more suited for older children and teens interested in history.
Established in 1823 by Louis Dufilho Jr., it was the first licensed pharmacist in the United States. The museum showcases the evolution of pharmacy and medical practices through its extensive collection.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted. It's always a good idea to check for any posted signs or ask staff if you're unsure.
The antique apothecary bottles, vintage medical equipment, and the historic architecture of the building itself offer great photographic subjects. The courtyard also provides a unique backdrop.
While not explicitly stated, it's common courtesy to avoid photographing staff without permission and to be mindful of other visitors. Flash photography is usually prohibited in museums to protect artifacts.
You can capture detailed shots of historical medical tools, rows of old medicine bottles, and the overall ambiance of a 19th-century apothecary.
The museum has a mix of natural and artificial lighting. While some areas might be dimly lit to preserve artifacts, you can still get good shots, especially with a camera that handles low light well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, some of the medical exhibits might be a bit graphic or unsettling for very young children. It's recommended to gauge your child's sensitivity to historical medical practices before visiting. Consider focusing on the fascinating bottles and the general atmosphere of the old shop rather than dwelling on the more intense historical details. A guided tour might help keep younger minds engaged with storytelling.
👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts
Prepare yourself for an atmosphere that many describe as eerie and unsettling. The historical context of the building, combined with its rumored spectral residents, creates a compelling environment for those seeking a spooky adventure. Keep an open mind and an eye out for any unusual occurrences during your visit.
📚 History Buffs & Medical Enthusiasts
The guided tours are particularly recommended for history buffs, as the guides offer insightful narratives that bring the past to life. You'll gain a profound appreciation for how far medical science has come and the ingenuity (and sometimes strangeness) of historical healing methods. It's an opportunity to connect with a significant aspect of American medical history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Haunted History of the Pharmacy Museum
The museum's history, while rooted in the advancements of early pharmacy, also carries a 'dark stain' for some, as mentioned by visitors. This could be attributed to the nature of some of the historical medical practices displayed, which might seem primitive or even disturbing by today's standards. The building itself, dating back to 1823, has witnessed centuries of life and death, contributing to its atmospheric and potentially haunted reputation.
Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the tales of hauntings at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum add an intriguing dimension to your visit. It's a place where you can learn about the evolution of medicine while also keeping an eye out for any otherworldly encounters. The combination of historical education and spooky lore makes it a memorable stop in the French Quarter.
Experiencing the Pharmacy Museum: Guided vs. Self-Guided
However, many visitors strongly recommend opting for the guided tour. Guides are praised for their wit, wisdom, and ability to make history come alive. They offer a deeper understanding of the artifacts, the building's history, and even the local lore, effectively transporting you back in time. The engaging narratives provided by the guides are frequently highlighted as a key reason for the museum's appeal.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal travel style. If you're a history enthusiast who loves detailed storytelling, the guided tour is likely the way to go. If you prefer a more relaxed, independent exploration, the self-guided tour still offers a wealth of fascinating information about early pharmacy and medicine.
A Glimpse into Early American Pharmacy
Visitors can explore exhibits that detail not only the scientific advancements of the era but also the prevalent superstitions and folk remedies used to treat ailments. The museum provides a fascinating contrast between emerging scientific understanding and enduring traditional beliefs. It's a place where you can learn about the evolution of medicine, from rudimentary practices to more sophisticated treatments.
Beyond the artifacts, the building itself is a piece of history, offering a glimpse into the architecture and ambiance of a 19th-century apothecary. The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is more than just a collection of old items; it's an educational journey through the history of health and healing in America.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit