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Pharmaceutical Museum

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Historical site
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Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)

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The Pharmaceutical Museum in Matanzas, famously known as the Triolet Pharmacy, is a globally unique example of a perfectly preserved late 19th-century apothecary. Founded in 1882 by Dr. Ernesto Triolet, the pharmacy remained in family hands until its nationalization in 1964, after which it was meticulously preserved as a museum. The interior features exquisite French porcelain jars and hand-carved wooden shelves housing thousands of original vessels filled with medicinal herbs and chemicals. Most impressive is the laboratory, where the original distilling apparatus and scales used for formulating medications remain exactly as they were over a century ago. The museum not only documents the history of medicine but also reflects the significant cultural ties between Cuba and France during that era. It stands as a fascinating monument to the history of science, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step into an authentic 19th-century atmosphere.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232425272829293029282524
Rain mm162012236576687778703420

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The museum is housed in a historic pharmacy building and is open to visitors. Inside, you can see original pharmaceutical equipment and preserved interiors.
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Typical hours
As a historic site, it typically follows morning-to-afternoon opening hours. Check with local tourist information for current times as they may be limited.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside without flash to preserve the old medicines and glassware. Some delicate items may have restrictions; ask staff.
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Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes to an hour to appreciate the well-preserved pharmacy. The space is compact but rich in detail.
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Combine with
Combine with a walk through Matanzas’ colonial center and other nearby museums. The city is known for its bridges and cultural venues.
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Getting there
The museum is in central Matanzas, easily reachable by foot from the main square. Taxis or local buses from Varadero or Havana also stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Ask the curator about the history of the pharmacy’s original owner for a deeper insight. Arrive early to have the place to yourself.

Geography

Coordinates
23.04000, -81.57000

Facts

  • The pharmacy officially opened its doors on January 1, 1882.
  • It was the first pharmacy of its kind to be established in Latin America.
  • The museum houses a collection of over 300,000 original historical prescriptions.
  • The interior cabinetry was constructed entirely from solid mahogany wood.
  • The facility was designated a National Monument of Cuba in 1964.
  • Founder Ernesto Triolet was a French pharmacist who relocated to Cuba.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of MatanzasPort of Matanzas<1 km · EExplore →
Matanzas Beverage PlantMatanzas Beverage Plant8 km · NExplore →
Playa ParaísoPlaya Paraíso24 km · WExplore →
Cayo Largo del SurCayo Largo del Sur24 km · WExplore →
Stock IslandStock Island31 km · SEExplore →
Key WestKey West34 km · SEExplore →
VaraderoVaradero35 km · NExplore →
Big Pine KeyBig Pine Key36 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pharmaceutical Museum (3)

Pueblo Nuevo, Matanzas📍 landmark

A neighborhood in Matanzas, known for its residential buildings and proximity to the port.

Galería Pedro Esquerré📍 landmark

An art gallery in Matanzas, exhibiting works by local and national artists.

Sauto Theater📍 landmark

A historic theater in Matanzas, built in the 19th century, with a neoclassical facade.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes this pharmacy special?
It is an original, well-preserved 19th-century French pharmacy.
Is photography allowed there?
Yes, for a small fee, you can photograph the beautiful porcelain jars.
Where is the museum located?
Right in the city center of Matanzas, opposite Parque Libertad.
What items can be seen there?
Old medical instruments, recipe books, and thousands of ceramic jars.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Saturday from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Sundays from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Pharmaceutical Museum: where is it located?
Pharmaceutical Museum is located in Cuba.
Pharmaceutical Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pueblo Nuevo, Matanzas, Galería Pedro Esquerré, Sauto Theater.
Pharmaceutical Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Pharmaceutical Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Pharmaceutical Museum in Matanzas, famously known as the Triolet Pharmacy, is a globally unique example of a perfectly preserved late 19th-century apothecary.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
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Nearby cities

Cárdenas — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Cárdenas
A port city in Matanzas province, known as the 'City of Crabs' and the 'Flag City' because the Cuban flag was first raised here in 1850.
Colón — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Colón
A city in the center of Matanzas province, surrounded by sugarcane fields.
Jagüey Grande — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Jagüey Grande
A city in Matanzas, the gateway to the Zapata Peninsula and known for citrus cultivation.
Jovellanos — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Jovellanos
A city and municipality in Matanzas province, a center of the sugar industry.
Perico — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Perico
A municipality in Matanzas, historically linked to the sugar industry.
Guamá — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Guamá
Guamá is a unique tourist village in Cuba, built on the water in the heart of the Ciénaga de Zapata.

Nature

San Juan River (Matanzas) — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
San Juan River (Matanzas)
A river that flows through the city of Matanzas, dividing it in two before emptying into the bay.

More places

🗺️
Port of Matanzas
A key port on Cuba's northern coast, tied to the industrial city of Matanzas.
Castillo de San Severino — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Castillo de San Severino
A colonial fortress in Matanzas built for coastal defense.
Matanzas Beverage Plant — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Matanzas Beverage Plant
Bottling of beverages.
🗺️
Matanzas Cement Plant
Key building materials production.
Port of Cárdenas — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Port of Cárdenas
A port city in Matanzas Province with a long role in sugar exports and coastal trade.
Zapata Peninsula — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Zapata Peninsula
A low-lying southern peninsula known for its wetlands and swamp landscape.
Bay of Pigs — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Bay of Pigs
A bay on the southern coast of Cuba, known for the failed 1961 invasion and its excellent diving spots.
Escambray Coffee Plantation — Pharmaceutical Museum (Cuba)
Escambray Coffee Plantation
A site in the Escambray Mountains featuring traditional coffee farming.