Sächsisches Apothekenmuseum Leipzig

About the museum

The house at Thomaskirchhof 12 is closely linked to the history of homeopathy. After Samuel Hahnemann founded homeopathy in Leipzig and in 1821 quarreled with the Leipzig pharmacists over the production of his medicines, they set up a homeopathic dispensary here in 1836. Later Willmar Schwabe took over the pharmacy, which remained in operation as the Homöopathische Central-Apotheke until 1996; even in GDR times there was a small collection on the history of pharmacy on the upper floor.

After the pharmacy closed, Leipzig pharmacists and their state association expanded the collection into a museum of its own, which opened on July 17, 1999. The explicit aim was not a nostalgic look back, but a lively place that makes the profession tangible. Today the house is run by a nonprofit limited company and supported by a friends' association; in 2024 it celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The exhibition shows privileges and drug price schedules, faience, sculptures, and recipes as well as tools from the pill board to the pill gilder. One focus is the Leipzig pharmacist family Linck, who also became known as natural scientists, another is homeopathy. With the furnishings of the Leipzig Falken-Apotheke of 1982, a typical GDR pharmacy can also be experienced. Besides the museum operation, readings, for example for "Leipzig liest", and events for the Museum Night take place.

Highlights

• Rooms of the former Homöopathische Central-Apotheke
• Historical tools such as the pill gilder and ergot mill
• Furnishings of a GDR pharmacy from 1982
• History of the Leipzig pharmacist family Linck
• Tablet presses to try out during tours

Permanent exhibitions

• Geschichte des Apothekenwesens und der Pharmazie in Sachsen – Tour through Saxon pharmacy history with tools, vessels, drug price schedules, and privileges, a GDR pharmacy, and a section on homeopathy.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Sächsisches Apothekenmuseum Leipzig gGmbH

Director

Susanna Seufert

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the City of Leipzig, access is limited for wheelchair users. For senior and disability facilities in the Leipzig area, the museum offers a mobile museum suitcase.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

For children aged 6 and up, the museum organizes special activities where possible, such as mixing tea or pressing tablets.

Getting there & parking

Located in the city center right next to St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche), easy to reach on foot.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with literature on pharmacy history and herbal lore as well as pharmacy vessels; visitor library.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 30 guests.

A room for approx. 30 people in rows of chairs, with a screen; only outside opening hours (day or evening seminar, projector available for an extra charge).

Plan your visit