Pharmacy Museum | Lviv

Pharmacy Museum (Under the Black Eagle Pharmacy) — Detailed Overview

Location:
2 Drukarska Street, Corner of Market Square (Rynok Square), Lviv, Ukraine

Historical Background

Foundation and Early History:
The pharmacy dates back to 1735, when it was established by military pharmacist Wilhelm Natorp. It is one of the oldest pharmacies in Lviv and has operated continuously for nearly three centuries.

Names and Ownership:
Over the years, the pharmacy changed ownership several times and was known by various names including “Under the Black Eagle,” “Under Themis,” and “Under the Golden Deer.” Despite these changes, it remained a key pharmaceutical institution in the city.

Museum Establishment:
In 1966, the pharmacy was transformed into a museum to preserve and showcase its rich history. Importantly, it remains a functioning pharmacy to this day, uniquely combining living history with current pharmaceutical practice.

Architecture and Setting

The museum is housed within a historic building located on Lviv’s central Market Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The interior preserves much of the original 18th-century pharmacy décor, including wooden cabinetry, counters, and shelves, which create an authentic atmosphere reminiscent of old-world pharmacies.

Collections and Exhibits

Extensive Artifact Collection:
The museum holds over 5,000 items related to the history of pharmacy and medicine. These include:

Antique pharmaceutical tools such as scales, mortars and pestles, and glass containers.

A vast array of old medicinal bottles, jars, and packaging.

Historical documents including original prescriptions, pharmaceutical manuals, and books dating back centuries.

Alchemy Laboratory Reconstruction:
One of the standout features is a reconstructed alchemy lab where visitors can see equipment and setups used by early pharmacists and alchemists in their attempts to create medicines and transform substances.

Medicinal Plants and Herbs:
The museum displays a collection of medicinal plants and herbs traditionally used in pharmacy. These exhibits explain the healing properties of various plants and their applications in folk and modern medicine.

16th–17th Century Dwelling Reconstruction:
Inside the museum courtyard, there is a recreated dwelling that reflects the lifestyle of a petty bourgeois family from the 16th or 17th century, offering visitors a contextual understanding of the period in which early pharmacies operated.

Educational and Cultural Role

The museum educates visitors about the evolution of pharmacy from alchemy and folk remedies to modern pharmaceutical science.

It preserves the legacy of pharmaceutical practices in Lviv, highlighting the city’s role as a historic center of medicine in Eastern Europe.

It offers insight into the social history of medicine and how pharmacists contributed to public health over centuries.

Visitor Experience

Interactive Displays:
Visitors can engage with many exhibits, handling some replicas and observing traditional pharmaceutical processes.

Guided Tours:
Tours provide detailed explanations about the exhibits, historical pharmacy methods, and stories about notable pharmacists who worked there.

Working Pharmacy:
The fact that it remains an operational pharmacy adds a unique dimension, blending history with living practice.

Souvenirs:
The museum shop offers unique souvenirs related to historical pharmacy, including replicas of ancient medicines, herbal remedies, and educational materials.

Practical Information

Opening Hours:
Open daily, usually from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Admission Fees:
Reasonably priced, with discounts for students and children.

Location Accessibility:
Situated in the heart of Lviv’s historic center, the museum is easily accessible to tourists exploring the Market Square area.

Summary

The Pharmacy Museum in Lviv is a remarkable institution combining historical preservation, cultural education, and ongoing pharmaceutical service. Its authentic setting, rich collections, and immersive exhibits make it one of the city’s most fascinating museums, offering visitors a deep dive into the world of pharmacy and medicine through the centuries.