You won’t find lots of adverts for Havana’s Museo Farmacia Taquechel, otherwise known as Taquechel Pharmacy Museum. However, it’s certainly an attraction worth visiting. Many visitors say that this museum feels like it is frozen in time, as it has been so well cared for. Read on to discover everything you need to know about it.
Back in 1898, Francisco Taquechel converted this townhouse into a pharmacy. It was then restored and reopened in 1996 to function as both a museum and a pharmacy.
Today, it houses a collection of French porcelain apothecary jars from the 19th century. It’s also home to instruments found at excavation sites in the city’s historic center. This includes antique measuring pots, a solar microscope, and a century-old French porcelain water filter.
The pharmacy sells natural products made in Cuba and other drugs. It’s also a truly stunning building, with mahogany shelves and floor-to-ceiling cedar.
Where is Museo Farmacia Taquechel?
Museo Farmacia Taquechel is in Havana’s old town at the following address: 4JQX+PM9, La Habana, Cuba.
It’s open seven days a week, i.e., Monday to Sunday, from 9 am until 7 pm.
A free attraction in Havana
If you’re looking for free things to do while in Havana, you’ll be pleased to know that it doesn’t cost a penny to head inside Museo Farmacia Taquechel.
As touched upon, the building itself is truly stunning, with everything meticulously looked after. It’s certainly fascinating to see how pharmacies in Cuba operated back then. It’s another way to learn about Cuba’s history. Plus, it’s nice to pick up a unique souvenir from here, such as an apothecary jar.
One of the best historical shops you’ll ever see
If you read reviews from those who’ve visited Museo Farmacia Taquechel, you’ll quickly discover that most people are in agreement about this being one of the best historical shops you can visit.
You can easily imagine the aromas filling the air when the pharmacist would open the jars and measure ailments to provide different cures.
There are also historical documents and records that give you an indication of the drug sales that are made during the 1900s.
A little stop-off while enjoying old Havana
Many museums require at least half a day, but this is certainly not the case for the Taquecehl Pharmacy Museum. Most people don’t spend much more than an hour at this museum, so it’s a great little attraction that you can fit in with your existing plans.
Visiting Museo Farmacia Taquechel
So there you have it: everything you need to know about visiting Museo Farmacia Taquechel and what to expect. You don’t need to set aside an entire day to visit this part of Havana, so it’s certainly worth adding to your to-do list.
