The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a must-see stop if you’re RVing or camping near New Orleans
If you’re camping or RVing anywhere near New Orleans and looking for something easy to explore between beignets and po’boys, put the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum on your list. It’s right in the heart of the French Quarter, it’s super affordable (kids under 6 are free!), and it’s… honestly kind of wild.
Housed in an 1820s creole townhouse—once home to Louis J. Dufilho, Jr., the first licensed pharmacist in the U.S.—the museum is packed with fascinating, terrifying, and slightly disturbing remnants of medical history. Think: giant metal syringes, glass bottles of mysterious old tonics, and birthing tables that will make your whole body tense up.
There’s a full wall of medications, a reconstructed apothecary, and artifacts that date back to the 1800s. At one point I turned to Chad and said, “Our ancestors really had it rough,” and I meant it. Just seeing what people went through a few generations ago makes you very thankful for modern medicine.
And yet… it’s also beautiful. The building itself is historic and full of charm, with exposed brick, creaky floors, and a peaceful courtyard out back. There’s a lot of reading, which makes it a great stop if you’re into history, medicine, or just enjoy a little “wait, they did what?” kind of moment while traveling.
You can take a guided tour if you want more context, or wander through at your own pace. Either way, it’s a short and sweet visit (probably about an hour if you take your time)and a great way to sneak in some air conditioning and a little education between all the eating and wandering the French Quarter.
I genuinely loved this museum. I tell everyone it’s worth the low-cost entry and the hour or so it takes to visit. It’s weird and wonderful and one of those places that sticks with you.
Also, if you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, we stayed just a few blocks away at French Quarter RV Resort, which made it an easy walk to everything, including this little gem of a museum.
Quick Tips:
- Open Tuesday through Saturday (check hours before you go)
- Admission is inexpensive (under $10 last I checked)
- Self-guided and guided tours available
- Not really stroller-friendly, but kids under 6 get in free
- Located at 514 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA
- Walking distance from French Quarter RV Resort (and yes, we recommend it too)
You can check it out here: pharmacymuseum.org
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