New Orleans Pharmacy Museum - a store with a lot of food on the counter
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New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

4.7
·2k reviews·New Orleans, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

CrowdLow
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New Orleans Pharmacy Museum - a store with a lot of food on the counter

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(2k reviews)

"A guided tour here is like a time machine, filled with wit, wisdom, and historical immersion."

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TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Antique Apothecary Collection

Antique Apothecary Collection

Main exhibition halls

Marvel at centuries-old medicine bottles, surgical tools, and bizarre historical remedies.

The Courtyard's Mysterious Aura

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

Interactive Historical Narratives

Throughout the museum

Engage with exhibits detailing the evolution of pharmacy and early medical practices.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Eerie & Educational

This historic apothecary offers a fascinating glimpse into early medicine, but many visitors report a spooky atmosphere. Be prepared for both historical insights and potential paranormal encounters. Consider a guided tour for a deeper dive into the museum's rich past and its spectral residents.

Timing is Key for a Deeper Dive

While self-guided tours are available, a guided tour is highly recommended by visitors for a truly immersive experience. These tours bring the history to life with wit and wisdom, making the museum's artifacts and stories more engaging. Booking in advance might be wise, especially during peak seasons.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Crowd
Low
When
Guided tour times
Why
Engaging stories, historical context
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you visited the Pharmacy Museum in New Orleans? How did you feel when you entered the space? 👀 #visitneworleans #hauntedneworleans #nola #neworleans #hauntedplaces #hauntedlocations #hauntedtravel #hauntedtravels #pharmacymuseum #neworleanspharmacymuseum #hauntedhistory #historicplaces #historyandhauntings #spookytravels #spookytravel
@ghoulplease_
175K likes • 1.2M views

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must!

Visitors rave about the engaging guides who make history feel like time travel. :star2: InstagramReddit

👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe

Many report eerie feelings and paranormal activity, especially near the courtyard. :ghost: TikTok+1

THE NEW ORLEANS PHARMACY MUSEUM. I honestly get the heebie jeebies everytime I go here, especially by the doors that lead into the little alleyway and go into the courtyard. It does have a lot of really cool, positive history, but also a big stain of bad history. Have any of ya’ll had an experience here? #neworleans #hauntedhistory #haunted #witchtok #spookyseason #hauntedplaces
@caitlinorellanahome
105.7K likes • 1M views
Haunted Pharmacy Museum in New Orleans. 💊👻 I want to start sharing more spooky places I’ve been and plan to go to. I hope you’re enjoying it and thanks for sticking around 🖤 . . . . #hauntedtravel #spookytravel #neworleans #pharmacymuseum #atlasobscura #ghosts #hauntedplaces #goth #hauntedneworleans #ghosthunter #hauntedplaces #ghoststories
ghoulhost
301 likes • 5.6K views

⏳ Allow Ample Time

You could easily spend a couple of hours reading all the fascinating historical details. :clock1: Reddit

💰 Worth the Entrance Fee

The $10 entrance fee is considered a good value for the unique experience. :moneybag: Instagram

Haunted New Orleans Pharmacy Museum! 👻🏛️ 🌟 Don't miss out! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more hidden gems & travel tips! Check the link in Bio @ghoulhost Via TikTok #HauntedTravel #NewOrleans #PharmacyMuseum
neworleans.ontravelx
2 likes • 151 views

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: InstagramReddit

👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe

Many report eerie feelings and paranormal activity, especially near the courtyard. :ghost: TikTok+1

⏳ Allow Ample Time

You could easily spend a couple of hours reading all the fascinating historical details. :clock1: Reddit

💰 Worth the Entrance Fee

The $10 entrance fee is considered a good value for the unique experience. :moneybag: Instagram

📸 Capture the History

The museum is visually rich with antique artifacts and historical displays. :camera: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

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

Fascinating historical artifacts
Engaging guided tours
Unique spooky atmosphere

What People Dislike

Building needs TLC

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. TikTok

Yes, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is situated in the historic French Quarter, making it a convenient stop while exploring the neighborhood. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Absolutely! Jackson Square is just a few blocks away from the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, making it a very walkable distance. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance, especially for guided tours, is recommended to secure your spot, particularly during busy periods. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

You can capture detailed shots of historical medical tools, rows of old medicine bottles, and the overall ambiance of a 19th-century apothecary. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum offers a unique historical perspective that can be educational for older children and teenagers. They can learn about how medicine was practiced in the past, see antique tools, and discover some of the quirky remedies people used. The 'haunted' aspect might also appeal to older kids who enjoy a bit of a spooky thrill. TikTok

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. TikTok

👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts

If you're drawn to the supernatural, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a must-visit. Numerous visitors and staff have reported experiencing unexplained phenomena, from cold spots to apparitions, particularly around the courtyard. The museum itself leans into its haunted reputation, making it a prime destination for ghost tours and paranormal investigations. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTok+1

📚 History Buffs & Medical Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by the evolution of medicine and historical practices, this museum is a treasure trove. You'll find an extensive collection of antique pharmaceutical equipment, rare medicine bottles, and detailed exhibits on early treatments and cures. The museum provides a deep dive into the history of pharmacy in America, starting with the nation's first licensed pharmacist. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Haunted History of the Pharmacy Museum

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is not just a repository of historical medical artifacts; it's also renowned for its spectral inhabitants. Many visitors and staff have reported eerie occurrences, unexplained noises, and ghostly apparitions, particularly in the courtyard area. This reputation for paranormal activity adds a unique layer to the museum experience, drawing in those interested in the intersection of history and the supernatural. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok+1

Experiencing the Pharmacy Museum: Guided vs. Self-Guided

When visiting the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, you have the choice between a self-guided tour and a guided tour. The self-guided option allows you to wander through the exhibits at your own pace, reading the information cards provided in each room. This can be a good choice if you prefer to absorb information independently and have limited time. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

A Glimpse into Early American Pharmacy

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum stands as a testament to the early days of pharmaceutical practice in the United States. Founded in 1823 by Louis Dufilho Jr., who became the nation's first licensed pharmacist, the museum showcases an extensive collection of antique medical instruments, apothecary jars, and early medicinal preparations. These artifacts offer a tangible connection to a time when healthcare was vastly different from today. TikTok

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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