New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historical building, showcases its extensive collection. Upon entering, visitors immediately feel as if they have been transported back in time. The eerie ambiance of an old pharmacy, filled with outdated remedies, leaves many feeling slightly unnerved. Despite its modest size, guests typically spend no less than an hour inside. Some linger for two hours or more.

The history of early pharmaceutical developments in the United States is bound to captivate audiences of all ages. Even children find intrigue in exhibits such as soda fountains. The museum offers educational programs to preserve the rich history of pharmacy and healthcare in Louisiana.

The History of the Pharmacy Museum

The most significant contribution to the history and integrity of the pharmaceutical field occurred in New Orleans in the year 1816. Twelve years prior, in 1804, the state of Louisiana under the leadership of Governor Claiborne passed a law that required licensing for pharmacists wishing to practice their profession.

Before this law, there were some informal licensing measures in place for the territory, but they were not enforced. An individual could train for six months and then concoct and sell their own mixtures without any rules or standards. The public received incorrect dosages and erroneous medications. In 1804, Governor Claiborne decided to rectify this issue.

For those who believe in the paranormal, it may be intriguing to hear rumors that the ghost of Doctor Dupas still roams the old museum — some visitors claim to have seen an elderly man in a brown suit and top hat. Although, naturally, this cannot be confirmed.

Pharmacy Museum Exhibits

While this museum showcases a plethora of historical exhibits, the owners strive to make the items look as if they are part of a real pharmacy. As a result, you will find many artifacts that reflect specific moments in the history of medicine.

• Voodoo Potions
  While many did not trust these concoctions, there were times when a treatment prescribed by a Voodoo priestess was far more effective and based on legitimate herbal medicine than anything offered by others.
• Elixirs
  Some of the ingredients used for these products might seem questionable to a modern audience, but you'd be surprised how many elements are still found in most of today's perfumes and cosmetics. Medicines intended for women of those times also contained alcoholic or narcotic components.
• Soda Fountain
  Can you believe that the fizzy drinks we give our children today were once considered medicinal? Initially, bitter medicines were mixed with sweet drinks to make them more palatable for customers. This is one reason why Coca-Cola once contained ingredients from the coca plant — widely known today as a source of cocaine. This ingredient was removed from the drink in 1903.
• Surgical Instruments
  They may look incredibly antiquated, but many of today's innovations in surgery were actually influenced by some of the tools you will see in this museum.
• Collection of Spectacles
  This exhibit includes various spectacles used for the visually impaired. While some styles and concepts are still used today, many have changed over time.