Exhibit Celebrates Philadelphia’s Pharmaceutical History with Medicine Bottles, Capsules, Razors, and Combs.
In a significant revival of cultural history, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy is reopening the Marvin Samson Museum for the History of Pharmacy after an extensive renovation. Located in West Philadelphia, this museum is revered as the first of its kind in North America, embodying a rich legacy in the field of pharmacy that spans over 175 years. The college has long been a pivotal institution within the city, further solidifying Philadelphia’s status as a city of firsts.
The museum, which has served as a repository for historical artifacts and documents related to pharmacy, suffered substantial water damage due to flooding earlier this year, prompting a comprehensive renovation process. The newly restored space will be unveiled with updated lighting, a fresh coat of paint, and a significant milestone: its inaugural art exhibition.
The museum’s collection began in 1995 when Marvin Samson, a prominent figure in the local pharmaceutical industry, repurposed the old college bookstore into a venue that showcased a diverse range of historical items. From antique prescription bottles to early medical technologies, the features of the museum highlight Philadelphia’s pivotal role in the pharmaceutical field, home to major companies including Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
The opening exhibition, titled “Indications,” debuts on Friday. Curated under the guidance of artist Teresa Cervantes, the exhibit explores the intersections between pharmacy, art, and visual culture. It will present a diverse array of artifacts, including 17th-century European pharmacy bottles, innovative meditative art forms, and original illustrations inspired by traditional apothecary practices. The creative approach aims to foster conversations around the significance of pharmacy in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Collections manager and assistant curator Emma Gunuey-Marrs has played a crucial role in revitalizing the museum experience. Her vision is to make the museum not just a place for historical observation, but a dynamic space that encourages interaction among pharmacists, scientists, and the general public.
Among the exhibition’s highlights are Cervantes’ imaginative interpretations of everyday objects found in medicine cabinets, creatively illustrated through a playful lens that invites visitors to reflect on the overlap between personal health and broader cultural themes in pharmacy.
The Marvin Samson Museum for the History of Pharmacy, with its enhanced offerings and fresh perspective on historical artifacts, aims to attract a new generation of visitors. Samson’s commitment to fostering interest in Philadelphia’s pharmaceutical heritage reflects a broader goal of engaging the community in meaningful discussions about health and wellness.
The exhibition “Indications” will be on display until November 29 at Griffith Hall Gallery, located at Saint Joseph’s University, 5600 City Ave., Philadelphia. For more information, please visit the museum’s official website. The rejuvenation of the museum promises to enrich Philadelphia’s cultural scene while honoring the crucial role of pharmacy in public health and wellness.
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