Whether or not you have a career in the medical field, old-fashioned drugstores have a certain nostalgia about them that everyone can appreciate. Few people know this, but you can step into a full-scale replica of one at the History of Pharmacy Museum at the University of Arizona! The museum features thousands of artifacts collected over the past several decades, some of which date to the 19th century. This unique museum is one of Tucson’s best-kept secrets, and you’ll never forget your visit.

Welcome to the University of Arizona's College of Pharmacy!
Vimeo/UA College of Pharmacy
Not only is this the only pharmacy school at a public Arizona university, but it also harbors a secret sure to fascinate visitors of all ages - not just those in the medical field.
The History of Pharmacy Museum contains one of the world's most extensive collections of pharmacy artifacts, some dating as far back as the 1880s.
Vimeo/UA College of Pharmacy
First opened in 1966 thanks to the work of Jesse Hurlbut, a former Tucson pharmacist, the museum has only continued to expand over the years.
You'll see a full-scale replica of an old-fashioned drugstore, complete with thousands of original artifacts, photos, documents, and oddities.
Vimeo/UA College of Pharmacy
Easily the strangest artifact of all is a candy jar full of gum allegedly chewed by the notorious gangster John Dillinger!

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The objects are categorized into dozens of separate exhibits, making for a user-friendly experience.
Vimeo/UA College of Pharmacy
Visitors always know exactly what they're looking at, whether it's an old medicine bottle or stethoscope from yesteryear.
The museum has even obtained the entire collection of items from Disneyland's Upjohn Pharmacy, which closed in September 1970.
Vimeo/UA College of Pharmacy
If you ever visited as a child, perhaps you'll recognize a few things!
Since it can be very challenging to find a parking spot at the university, visitors are encouraged to ride the Sun Link Streetcar instead of using a personal vehicle.
Vimeo/UA College of Pharmacy
The trolley's last stop is close to Drachman Hall, where the museum tour begins. If you would prefer to drive yourself, metered parking is available both in the lot just east of Drachman Hall and in the garage of the Banner University Medical Center.
Address: 1295 North Martin Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85721.
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Free guided tours are available from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For a virtual tour of the museum, check out this video by the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy:

You’ll find the museum in the College of Pharmacy’s Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center and Drachman Hall building at the University of Arizona Health Sciences. This is just south of the College of Medicine and Banner-University Medical Center Tucson. Click here for more information.

Have you ever visited the History of Pharmacy Museum? If so, what was your favorite artifact on display? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another unique museum in Arizona worth visiting.

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College of Pharmacy, 1295 N Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA