Step through the French Quarter’s wrought-iron gates into a lovingly preserved 1823 apothecary where American pharmacy earned its first license. The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum safeguards hundreds of hand-blown bottles, medicinal ...
This small French Quarter gem offers a fascinating dive into 19th-century pharmaceutical and medical history that's equal parts educational and entertaining. The guided tours are where this place really shines. Visitors rave especially about Grace and Owen, whose magnetic personalities and storytelling abilities transform what could be a simple museum visit into a captivating journey through time. They've mastered the art of weaving together humanity, medicine, and some genuinely shocking historical practices in ways that keep guests completely engrossed for the entire hour. At $10, it's considered excellent value, though be prepared for some tight spaces that can feel crowded during peak times. The building itself is beautifully refurbished to replicate an authentic 19th-century pharmacy, housing the first licensed pharmacist's certificate in the U.S. While you can explore on your own, nearly everyone emphasizes that the guided tour makes the experience substantially better. Plan for about an hour, and expect to leave with a newfound appreciation for modern medicine alongside some slightly horrifying insights into historical practices.
The Pharmacy Museum tour with Owen on Sunday was one of the biggest highlights of my trip to New Orleans. If you are going to visit the museum, it is 1000% better with a guided tour, especially with Owen. Owen has an incredible ability to: Entice you Enthrall you And, at times, completely disgust you (in the best way) All while keeping you fully engaged for the entire hour. His storytelling weaves together: Humanity Medicine And the truly terrifying origins of the U.S. healthcare system I was dumbfounded and fully engrossed the entire time. One of my favorite moments was at the start, when he brought us into the courtyard. He explained why it was designed the way it was and how it connects directly to the birth of pharmacy. That context completely changed how I saw the space. Owen is a phenomenal storyteller: Engaging, knowledgeable, and unforgettable. Highly recommend.
ashleigh tatarcyk
January 15, 2026
The Pharmacy Museum tour with Owen on Sunday was one of the biggest highlights of my trip to New Orleans. If you are going to visit the museum, it is 1000% better with a guided tour, especially with Owen. Owen has an incredible ability to: Entice you Enthrall you And, at times, completely disgust you (in the best way) All while keeping you fully engaged for the entire hour. His storytelling weaves together: Humanity Medicine And the truly terrifying origins of the U.S. healthcare system I was dumbfounded and fully engrossed the entire time. One of my favorite moments was at the start, when he brought us into the courtyard. He explained why it was designed the way it was and how it connects directly to the birth of pharmacy. That context completely changed how I saw the space. Owen is a phenomenal storyteller: Engaging, knowledgeable, and unforgettable. Highly recommend.
ashleigh tatarcyk
January 15, 2026