Museo de la Farmacia Hispana

About the museum

The Museo de la Farmacia Hispana began in the early 20th century with the collection of Rafael Folch Andreu, who was professor of the History of Pharmacy from 1915 and expanded the holdings with the resources of the chair. At first it was housed in the old Faculty building on Calle de la Farmacia, which had no adequate space for display.

The museum received its own premises when the Ciudad Universitaria was built. The collection was moved in 1944 and opened to the public in 1951. His son, Guillermo Folch Jou, directed it until his death in 1987, after which Francisco Javier Puerto Sarmiento took over.

The museum holds laboratory equipment, a large series of Catalan ceramic apothecary jars, a reproduction of the apothecary of the Hospital Tavera in Toledo, a Baroque apothecary from the former Hospital de San Juan Bautista in Astorga, a reproduction of an Arab pharmacy, and the 19th-century neo-Gothic apothecary of the licentiate Maeso of Madrid. Other 19th-century apothecaries, such as those of Sangarcía (Segovia) and Bellogín (Valladolid), are displayed in various spaces of the Faculty.

Highlights

• Large collection of Catalan ceramic apothecary jars
• Reproduction of the apothecary of the Hospital Tavera in Toledo
• Baroque apothecary from the Hospital de San Juan Bautista in Astorga
• Reproduction of an Arab pharmacy and an alchemist’s laboratory
• Neo-Gothic apothecary of the licentiate Maeso

Permanent exhibition

• Colección permanente de farmacia histórica – Apothecary jars, laboratory equipment, historical apothecaries and reconstructions of an alchemist’s laboratory and an Arab pharmacy.

Founded

1951

Operated by

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Admission & discounts

The guided visit costs €2 per person; the proceeds go to promoting, conserving and restoring the University’s heritage. UCM teaching staff can bring their classes free of charge by booking in advance by email.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• 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

The basement is not accessible by wheelchair and the building has no lift.

Kids & families

The workshops on infusions, tinctures and pills are designed for group visits.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit