Museum of Pharmacy, Riga

The Museum of Pharmacy in Riga offers a unique glimpse into the history and evolution of pharmacy through its comprehensive collection and thematic displays. Housed in an 18th-century building, the museum's origins date back to 1938 when it was founded through the unification of private collections by pharmacist Dāvis Blūmentāls and professor Jānis Maizīte. Additional exhibits were sourced from pharmaceutical societies in Riga and Kurzeme and were originally set up on the premises of the Latvian University Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

In 1986, the museum relocated to its current address on Riharda Vāgnera Street, enriched further by contributions from Pauls Stradiņš. It officially opened to the public in March 1988. Today, the museum boasts over 3,000 exhibits distributed across six distinct halls, each dedicated to different facets of pharmaceutical history and practice.

The first hall features a diverse array of pharmaceutical vessels, showcasing their variety in shape and size. The second hall focuses on the development of pharmacy within Latvia, reflecting local contributions and progress in the field. The third hall offers insight into 19th-century medicine production methods. The fourth hall explores various branches of pharmacology, including homeopathy, pharmacology proper, and pharmaceutical chemistry, highlighting their specific functions and historical significance. The fifth hall introduces visitors to innovations in the medical industry of the 21st century, whereas the sixth hall recreates 18th and 19th-century laboratories, providing a historical context to pharmacy practices.

Additionally, the museum grounds feature a traditional herb garden, further enriching the visitor experience by connecting the historical content of the museum with practical, botanical knowledge used in pharmacy. This garden serves as both an educational and aesthetic element, bridging past practices with current knowledge.