Pharmacy Museum

The Pharmacy Museum of Lisbon, inaugurated in 1996, is a unique institution dedicated to exploring the history of pharmacy and medicine through the centuries. Located in the heart of the city, at the headquarters of the National Association of Pharmacies, the museum offers visitors a fascinating journey that spans over 5000 years of scientific and therapeutic evolution, illustrating how medical practices have changed and developed over time. The museum was born thanks to an extraordinary initiative that saw the collection of donations from pharmacies throughout Portugal, with the aim of preserving the country’s pharmaceutical heritage. This effort has allowed the accumulation of a collection of over 14,000 objects from around the world, representing a wide range of medical and pharmaceutical practices. At the entrance of the museum, visitors are greeted by an evocative exhibition that tells the history of pharmacy in Portugal. Here, ancient pharmacy furnishings, laboratory tools, and fascinating advertising posters can be admired, showing how medicinal remedies were promoted in past centuries. A particularly interesting section is dedicated to prominent Portuguese pharmacists and researchers, such as Odette Ferreira, a key figure in HIV type 2 research. Going up to the upper floor, the exhibition path opens up to a global overview of the history of pharmacy and medicine. This section of the museum features an exceptional collection of artifacts ranging from ancient Egypt to the present day. Among the most remarkable pieces are ancient Greek containers, Roman ointment bottles, Ottoman carafes, Congolese mortars, and Chinese acupuncture tools. Each object tells a unique story and offers a glimpse into the medical practices of different cultures and eras. One of the most precious pieces in the collection is the Egyptian sarcophagus of Irtierut, dating back to the XXV-XXVI dynasty. This ancient artifact, with its intricate decorations and symbolism, offers a fascinating look into the beliefs and medical practices of ancient Egypt. Next to the sarcophagus, a limestone relief from the New Kingdom depicts a couple wearing perfume cones on their heads, a practice that used mixtures of oils, resins, and fats to release fragrances during ceremonies. Another object of great interest is a 19th-century Chinese pharmacy, brought to Lisbon from the territory of Macao. This pharmacy, with its original furniture and numerous drawers containing herbs and traditional remedies, is a living testimony to Chinese medical practices of the time. The museum also dedicates a section to the history of Portuguese pharmacy during the colonial era. The exhibited objects include pharmacy jars in ceramic and glass, often decorated with the Latin names of the substances contained, and ancient recipe books showing the preparation of complex medicines. These objects not only illustrate the richness of Portuguese pharmaceutical traditions, but also highlight the influence of European medicine in the colonies. A particularly fascinating area of the museum is dedicated to first aid kits used in historical expeditions. Among these is the kit used by Ernest Shackleton during his Antarctic expedition, which includes medicines and tools to deal with medical emergencies in extreme conditions. This piece emphasizes the importance of medical preparedness in explorations and pioneering adventures. The museum’s structure also includes interactive spaces designed to engage visitors of all ages. Through educational games, teaching models, and interactive experiences, visitors can learn in a fun and engaging way. This educational approach makes the Pharmacy Museum an ideal place for learning and discovery.