The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is temporarily closed in an effort to help contain the spread of COVID-19. We believe that we must do all that we can to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our staff and visitors, which at this time calls for us to minimize gatherings and maintain the cleanest environment possible.
Now is the time to take proactive measures to flatten the curve of the pandemic. Things you can do to help decrease the spread, as recommended by the CDC, include:
-
Wash your hands regularly with soap & water for at least 20 seconds. If water is unavailable, use hand sanitizer.
-
Stay at home if you are sick -- if not for your own sake, for the sake of more vulnerable people such as older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth.
-
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash, & wash your hands immediately.
-
Avoid close contact with others, such as hugs, kisses or handshakes. Get creative!
-
Treat yourself and others with care and compassion.
We look forward to announcing when we will be reopening our doors. Stay tuned for updates!
ADMISSION
$5.00/adults
$4.00/students & seniors
Free/children under six
The 1 pm guided tour is included with admission. Reservations cannot be made in advance.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Tuesday to Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Guided tours at 1 pm Tuesday to Friday
There is not a guided tour on Saturday.
We are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Occasionally, we must close early or open late due to private tours and/or special events.
Please check back for special hours of operation or call (504) 565-8027.
VISIT THE MUSEUM
514 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 565-8027
email:
HISTORY
Louis J. Dufilho, Jr. was America's First Licensed Pharmacist. Dufilho’s most significant contribution to the history and integrity of the field of pharmacy took place in New Orleans in 1816. In 1804, the State of Louisiana, led by Governor Claiborne, passed a law that required a licensing examination for pharmacists wishing to practice their profession.
MISSION
To further interest in the history of pharmacology and promote its further development for the benefit of the general public.
The museum is housed in the site of the apothecary of America's first licensed pharmacist.
EXHIBITS
Bloodletting, surgical instruments and questionable medical practices are featured on the ground floor of this mid-19th Century apothecary. Hand-blown apothecary bottles filled with crude drugs, medicinal herbs, “gris-gris” potions used by Voodoo practitioners and rare patent medicines speak of a time when pharmacists compounded their own medicines and modern medical theory was in its infancy...