Pharmacy Museum | Turku

The Pharmacy Museum (Apteekkimuseo) in Turku, Finland, is a fascinating institution dedicated to the history of pharmacy and the development of medicinal practices. Located in the heart of the city, the museum offers an intriguing glimpse into the evolution of pharmacy, from ancient remedies to modern pharmaceuticals, and highlights the important role that pharmacies have played in both local and global health care systems.

History and Significance

The Pharmacy Museum is part of the Turku Museum Centre and is housed in a historic building that once served as a working pharmacy. Established in the 1950s, the museum's collections focus on the long history of pharmaceuticals in Finland, particularly the development of pharmacy practices in Turku, which was once Finland’s capital. The museum is significant not only for its educational value but also for preserving the historical role that pharmacies have played in Finnish society.

Location and Building

The Pharmacy Museum is located in a charming old building in Turku’s city center, right next to the Turku Cathedral and other historical landmarks. The building itself is a piece of history, with many of its original features still intact. The structure provides a fitting backdrop for the museum’s exhibits, creating an authentic atmosphere that enhances the visitor experience.

• Pharmacy Museum & the Old Pharmacy: The museum is closely connected to the Pharmacy of the Holy Spirit (Pyhän Hengen Apteekki), which is one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Finland, founded in 1422. The museum displays objects and tools that were used in the pharmacy’s early days and explores the evolution of medicine and drug preparation.

Collections and Exhibits

The museum’s collections showcase the historical development of pharmacy, presenting items and artifacts that span several centuries. Visitors can explore the different stages in the practice of pharmacy and see how the preparation and distribution of medicines evolved over time.

Old Pharmacy Equipment: The museum displays an array of old pharmacy tools and equipment, including mortars and pestles, medicine jars, and weighing scales used by pharmacists of centuries past. These items highlight the methods used to create remedies before the advent of modern pharmaceutical technology.

Pharmaceutical Ingredients: Various herbal and natural ingredients once used to create medicines are on display. Many of these were the primary source of treatment for ailments before synthetic drugs were developed.

Historical Medicines: Visitors can view early medicinal preparations, including apothecary bottles, prescription books, and historical packaging. This allows guests to see how remedies were stored, dispensed, and used by past generations.

Pharmacy History: The museum’s exhibits provide a comprehensive look at the history of pharmacy in Finland, with a special emphasis on the development of pharmaceutical education and legislation in the country. It also explores how the profession of pharmacy has evolved to meet the changing needs of society.

Pharmacists’ Tools: The museum showcases tools that were used by pharmacists for preparing medicines. Visitors can see how pharmacists used to compound drugs by hand before the age of mass production.

Themes and Educational Value

The Pharmacy Museum not only preserves the past of pharmacy but also explores various themes related to the history of medicine, health care, and social change.

Traditional vs. Modern Medicine: The museum highlights the transition from traditional remedies to modern pharmaceuticals, including the role of pharmacists in researching and developing new treatments.

Health and Hygiene: The museum addresses the history of health and hygiene practices in Finland, showcasing how different medical practices evolved to improve public health.

Medicinal Herbs and Natural Remedies: The museum provides information on the use of herbs and plants in early medicinal practices, illustrating how these natural substances were relied upon for healing before the development of modern medicines.

Pharmaceutical Education: The museum also touches on the development of pharmaceutical education in Finland, including the founding of the first pharmacy schools and the advancement of pharmacy as a profession.

Programs and Events

The Pharmacy Museum offers a variety of educational programs and events to engage visitors of all ages. These include:

Guided Tours: The museum provides guided tours in several languages, where visitors can learn about the history of pharmacy in greater detail. The tours often include insights into the artifacts and their historical context.

Workshops: The museum offers hands-on workshops for children and adults, where participants can create simple remedies or learn about the pharmaceutical processes used in the past.

Temporary Exhibitions: In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on different aspects of pharmaceutical history or contemporary issues related to the medical field.

Special Events: The museum organizes various events, such as lectures and seminars, focused on the history of medicine, pharmacy, and health care.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

Opening Hours: The museum is typically open year-round, with specific hours depending on the season and public holidays. It is always a good idea to check the museum's website for the latest updates on opening times.

Admission Fees: The museum usually charges a small entrance fee, with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. Children often receive free entry, making it an excellent family-friendly attraction.

Location: The Pharmacy Museum is centrally located in Turku, close to the Turku Cathedral and other city landmarks. It is easily accessible by foot, public transport, or car.

Museum Shop: The museum has a small shop where visitors can purchase medicinal herbs, herbal teas, historical pharmacy-related souvenirs, and books related to the history of pharmacy and medicine.

Conclusion

The Pharmacy Museum in Turku is a unique and enriching destination for anyone interested in the history of medicine, pharmacy, and public health. With its extensive collections, fascinating exhibits, and educational programs, the museum provides a valuable look at the past and evolution of the pharmacy profession. Whether you are a student of history, a health care professional, or simply curious about the origins of modern medicine, the Pharmacy Museum offers a captivating and informative experience.