Pharmaceutical Museum Matanzas
Step into a meticulously preserved 19th-century French apothecary, a national monument showcasing Cuba's pharmaceutical past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Pharmaceutical Museum Matanzas
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a meticulously preserved 19th-century French apothecary, a national monument showcasing Cuba's pharmaceutical past.
"Amazing! Absolutely need to visit this place if you are in Matanzas. Well preserved pharmacy with very competent staff."
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits and upstairs rooms.
🗣️ Engage with guides
The guides are excellent and offer insightful tours of the museum's history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original French Apothecary
Main exhibition hall
Experience a meticulously preserved 19th-century French pharmacy, a national monument.
Antique Instruments & Jars
Display cases
Marvel at gorgeous porcelain apothecary jars and antique medical instruments.
Upstairs Private Quarters
Second floor
Explore the former private rooms of the pharmacy owners for a unique historical perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
Location & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits and upstairs rooms.
🗣️ Engage with guides
The guides are excellent and offer insightful tours of the museum's history.
⬆️ Don't miss upstairs
The private rooms offer a fascinating look into the owners' lives and a great park view.
📍 Prime location
Located opposite Parque La Libertad, making it easy to combine with other city sights.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits and upstairs rooms.
🗣️ Engage with guides
The guides are excellent and offer insightful tours of the museum's history.
⬆️ Don't miss upstairs
The private rooms offer a fascinating look into the owners' lives and a great park view.
📍 Prime location
Located opposite Parque La Libertad, making it easy to combine with other city sights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pharmaceutical Museum as a highlight of their Matanzas trip, marveling at its impeccable preservation and the fascinating collection of antique apothecary items and instruments. The knowledgeable guides and the unique opportunity to explore the upstairs living quarters are frequently mentioned as standout features, offering a deep dive into 19th-century life.
"This was a highlight of our trip to Cuba! It’s an impeccably preserved pharmacy started in the late 19th century. There are gorgeous displays of porcelain apothecary jars & antique instruments. The staff is wonderful — and the tour excellent."
Monica Morse
"Like traveling straight to the past. Super well preserved - an incredible showcase of the pharmaceutical world back then."
Hypo
"The La Botica Triolet Pharmacy Museum in Matanzas is located in the city center, next to Libertad Park. The pharmacy was founded in 1882 and still maintains its original decor. The visit will be interesting..."
Игорь А/С
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Matanzas, directly opposite Parque La Libertad on Calle Milanés. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the city center.
Yes, its prominent location next to Libertad Park makes it very easy to find.
Absolutely! It's near Sauto Theater, Hotel Velasco, and the Municipal Museum, making it a great starting point for a city tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific hours can vary, it's generally open during daytime hours. It's best to check locally or with your tour operator for the most up-to-date information.
Admission fees are typically very reasonable. It's advisable to have some local currency (CUP) on hand for entry and any potential guide fees.
Advance booking is usually not necessary for individual visitors. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. The guides are knowledgeable and enhance the experience significantly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see an impeccably preserved 19th-century French apothecary with original decor, antique instruments, porcelain jars, and preserved medicines.
Yes, visitors are often allowed to explore the upper level, which was once the private living quarters of the pharmacy owners, offering a unique glimpse into their lives.
Most visitors find that 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to thoroughly explore the museum and appreciate its exhibits.
The main floor is generally accessible, but the upstairs private quarters may involve stairs. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions or ask permission from staff.
The main display area with the antique jars and instruments is very photogenic. The view from the upstairs balcony overlooking the park is also a great photo opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a stroll through Parque La Libertad right across the street, where kids can run around and enjoy the open space. Nearby attractions like the Bellamar Caves offer a more adventurous outing that might appeal to younger visitors as well.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pair this visit with other historical sites in Matanzas, such as the Museo Provincial (Palacio de Junco), San Severino Castle, or the Museo de los Bomberos (Firefighters Museum), to create a rich historical itinerary.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to capture the view from the upstairs balcony overlooking Parque La Libertad – it's a classic Matanzas vista. The surrounding architecture of the park and the city also offers great photographic potential.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into 19th Century Pharmacy
+1 The museum meticulously preserves the original decor and contents of the 19th-century French drugstore, offering visitors an unparalleled journey back in time. Inside, you'll find an astonishing collection of porcelain apothecary jars, antique medical instruments, and original preserved medicaments still in their bottles or packages.
Beyond the main exhibition space, visitors often have the opportunity to explore the upper level, which once served as the private living quarters for the pharmacy owners. This area provides an intimate look into the personal lives of those who ran this historic establishment and offers a unique vantage point overlooking the bustling Parque La Libertad.
Exploring Matanzas: Beyond the Pharmacy
+1Just a stone's throw away from the museum, you can visit the Sauto Theater, a beautifully restored neoclassical theater, or explore the Municipal Museum and the Museo de Arte de Matanzas. For those interested in natural wonders, the Bellamar Caves and Cueva Saturno are popular excursions, showcasing stunning geological formations.
Matanzas also boasts significant historical sites like San Severino Castle and the Memorial-Museum 'El Morrillo'. For a taste of rural history, the Cafetal La Dionisia historical plantation offers insight into Cuba's agricultural past. The city's charm extends to its natural surroundings, with the Yumurí Valley providing scenic landscapes.
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