The New Orleans Pharmacy museum gives people a first-hand look at what it took to produce specific treatments long before pills and powders came from centralized medication manufacturers. Pharmacies used to be a lot different than nowadays, as pharmacists had to concoct every remedy for any ailment completely from scratch.
Prior to a Louisiana law passed in 1804, there was very little oversight and cohesion concerning licensing regulations to become a pharmacist, which led to many mistakes in dosing and prescribing. Then-governor Claiborne established a board of reputable doctors and pharmacists to administer an oral examination. Louis J Dufilho, Jr., was the first to pass the 3-hour examination.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum - one of the highlights of 10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in New Orleans and 10 Best Things to do in New Orleans French Quarter (Read all about New Orleans here)
photo by Jeremy Thompson (CC BY 2.0) modified
Highlights of the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is housed in the 1823 townhome that was owned by Dufilho, located in the famous French Quarter of New Orleans. The address served as his home and apothecary and still has the original ingredients in some of the plentiful bottles and vials.
In addition to the ingredients needed for making medication, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum also has on display historic medical devices, such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, and assorted ephemera. Be sure to keep an eye out for voodoo potions as well, including a “Love Potion No. 9.”
Good to know before visiting the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum requires tickets to be paid for in advance and are valid only for the specific reserved date and time. Self-guided tours allow patrons to access the first-floor exhibits as well as the courtyard of the museum.
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in the Vieux Carre Historic District, the museum offers self-guided tours starting at the top of every hour during the museum’s operating hours. There is a gift shop on-site tsells posters and T-shirts. The venue is also available for weddings and other events.
photo by Infrogmation of New Orleans (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Location: 514 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Open: Wednesday–Saturday from noon to 5 pm (closed Sunday–Tuesday)
Phone: +1 504-565-8027
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