The building was constructed in the late 1890s by the pharmacist Ferdinand Fritz and served its original purpose as a functioning pharmacy for over a century.
The collection includes authentic 19th-century pharmaceutical scales, porcelain jars, and original medicine preparation apparatus.
The museum interior retains original woodwork and cabinetry characteristic of late 19th-century merchant-class pharmacy design.
It is one of the few surviving historical pharmacies in the Tula region that preserves its original layout and functional decor.
The museum organizes unique 'pharmacy evenings' that focus on the history of medicine and regional medicinal practices.
The Staraya Tul'skaya Apteka, or Old Tula Pharmacy, is a specialized branch of the Tula State Historical and Architectural Museum housed in a historic building dating back to the late 19th century. The museum preserves the authentic interior and atmosphere of a pre-revolutionary Russian pharmacy, showcasing medicinal equipment, glassware, and documents from the era. Visitors can explore the preserved pharmacy counters and examine historical pharmacological tools. The venue frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, historical lectures, and thematic workshops related to the history of medicine and local pharmacy traditions. It functions as a cultural hub within the Tula Historical and Architectural Museum (TIAM) network. The site represents the intersection of local architectural history and the development of public health services in provincial Russia.
The restored historical pharmacy counter with its array of antique medicinal jars and brass scales.
Check the official TIAM website for the schedule of temporary exhibitions before visiting, as they change frequently.
The museum is compact, so pair your visit with other nearby TIAM sites to get the most out of your time in central Tula.
Ask staff about the guided tours; they provide deep context on the history of Tula's merchant-run pharmacies that is not available on signage.
Do not expect a large-scale modern museum; it is a small, focused site, so rushing through it will lead to missing the details of the historical exhibits.
Closed on Mondays.
