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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Museums

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Step back into the 19th century at this French Quarter gem, housed in an 1820s Creole townhouse and featuring the largest collection of pharmaceutical memorabilia in the United States.

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New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
pharmacymuseum.org, og_image_pharmacymuseum.org

What is the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum known for?

The museum showcases the world of early pharmacies and medicine, interpreting the development of the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare practices in the 19th century. It is said to have the largest collection of pharmaceutical memorabilia in the United States.

How much does it cost to visit?

General admission for self-guided tours is $10 for adults and $7 for seniors (65+), students, military, and people with disabilities. Children 6 and under, NOPM and NARM members are free, though NARM members pay $10 for guided tours.

What are the hours of operation?

Self-guided general admission is available Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours are offered Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with seasonal variations.

Is it good for kids?

Children are welcome, but the museum does not have any interactive exhibits or exhibits specifically designed for them.

How long does a visit typically take?

Most visitors spend between 45 minutes to one hour inside the museum.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is located at 514 Chartres Street in the heart of the French Quarter. The museum is housed in a Creole townhouse constructed between 1822 and 1823 for Louis J. Dufilho, Jr., who is recognized as the first licensed pharmacist in the United States. While the City of New Orleans purchased the building in 1937, the museum officially opened its doors to the public in 1950. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of authentic 19th and early-to-mid 20th-century artifacts. The museum interprets the evolution of healthcare practices and the pharmaceutical industry, boasting what is described as the largest collection of pharmaceutical memorabilia in the United States. This immersive environment allows guests to see the world of early medicine as it existed nearly two centuries ago. Beyond its permanent collection, the institution mounts special exhibits focused on education and historic preservation. Notable displays include an exhibit on historic midwifery and obstetrics, as well as a 2025 anniversary exhibit celebrating 75 years of the museum's operation. These rotating features provide deeper insight into the social history of medicine in New Orleans.

Visitor tips

  • Self-guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Book guided tours online in advance if you wish to visit Friday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
  • Allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes to explore the exhibits.
  • Note that there are no interactive exhibits specifically designed for children.

Nearby context

Situated on Chartres Street, the museum is a quiet, academic contrast to the bustling energy of the surrounding French Quarter, nestled among historic Creole architecture.

Sources

Evidence and links