New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: A Journey Through Medical History

Introduction

Step inside the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this museum occupies the former apothecary shop of Louis J. Dufilho Jr., America’s first licensed pharmacist. The building itself dates back to the early 19th century, and its shelves are still lined with old glass bottles, strange remedies, and curious medical instruments.

The museum doesn’t just showcase medicine—it tells a story about daily life in New Orleans, from voodoo potions and herbal treatments to the evolution of modern pharmaceuticals. Visitors can explore everything from antique surgical tools to early beauty products, all displayed in an atmospheric setting that blends science and mystery.

A visit here is fascinating for history lovers, medical professionals, and the simply curious. It’s a reminder of how far medicine has come—and how New Orleans’ unique culture influenced health and healing. Whether you’re wandering the French Quarter or planning a deeper dive into local history, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a must-see destination.

What is the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum famous for?

The museum is famous for being housed in the apothecary of the first licensed pharmacist in the U.S. It preserves a vast collection of 19th-century medical artifacts, including surgical instruments, apothecary jars, voodoo potions, and prescriptions from another era.

Why should you visit the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum?

You should visit because it’s more than a museum—it’s an experience. You’ll:

Step inside a perfectly preserved 19th-century pharmacy.

Learn about the history of medicine and voodoo in New Orleans.

See quirky and sometimes eerie medical tools and remedies.

Discover how pharmacists once doubled as chemists, healers, and community figures.

It’s educational, entertaining, and a little spooky.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum?

🕒 Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

🌞 Best Times to Visit:

Early afternoons are less crowded, giving you time to explore each exhibit.

Guided tours (when available) add extra context and storytelling.

How much does it cost to visit the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum?

🎟️ General Admission: Around $5–10 per person

Discounts are usually available for students, seniors, and children.

Children under a certain age may enter free.

It’s one of the most affordable attractions in the French Quarter.

What can you see or do at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum?

At the museum, you can:

Explore authentic apothecary displays with jars, herbs, and remedies.

View antique medical instruments that will make you grateful for modern medicine.

Learn about voodoo’s role in health practices in New Orleans.

Admire rare books, surgical kits, and early beauty products.

Walk through a historic courtyard often used for events and weddings.

What is the history behind the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum?

The building dates back to the early 1800s and was home to Louis J. Dufilho Jr., who in 1816 became the first person in the U.S. to pass a licensing exam for pharmacy. His apothecary shop set the standard for professional medical practice in America.

Later, the building continued to serve as a pharmacy while the city developed a reputation for blending European medicine, local herbal remedies, and spiritual practices. Today, the museum preserves this unique mix of science and culture, offering a glimpse into a world where medicine was as much about ritual as it was about prescriptions.

Where is the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum located and how do you get there?

📍 Address: 514 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

How to Get There:

🚶 By foot: Located in the French Quarter, just a short walk from Jackson Square.

🚋 By streetcar: Take the Riverfront line to the Dumaine Street stop.

🚗 By car: Parking in the French Quarter is limited; nearby lots are recommended.

Insider Tips for Visiting the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

🧪 Take your time—many small details are easy to miss among the shelves.

📸 The exhibits are photogenic, but some areas may have restrictions.

👻 If you enjoy spooky stories, ask about the museum’s ghostly legends.

Nearby Attractions to the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Jackson Square – Iconic plaza surrounded by artists and street performers.

St. Louis Cathedral – The oldest cathedral in continuous use in the U.S.

Presbytère Museum – Explore Mardi Gras history and hurricane exhibits.

French Market – Shop local goods and taste New Orleans flavors.

Café du Monde – A short walk for legendary beignets and chicory coffee.

Turn Your Visit into an Adventure

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a window into the strange, fascinating, and sometimes eerie world of medicine in the 1800s. It’s a place where science meets folklore and history comes alive.

👉 Discover it in a new way with a Questo quest. Solve clues, follow hidden stories, and explore the French Quarter while the museum becomes part of your interactive adventure.