- Attraction: Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Location: 1295 N Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://museum.pharmacy.arizona.edu/
A multimillion-dollar transformation in 2022 unveiled one of the world’s most unique collections of pharmaceutical oddities.
The Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences houses everything from gangster John Dillinger’s chewed gum to the complete Upjohn Pharmacy collection from Disneyland’s original park.
This hidden gem at the University of Arizona represents 55+ years of collecting pharmaceutical artifacts that tell the incredible story of how medicine evolved from ancient remedies to modern healthcare.
You’ll discover interactive exhibits featuring over 50 antique show globes, cutting-edge displays, and thousands of artifacts that transform the often-overlooked history of pharmacy into an engaging journey through time.
World-Class Pharmaceutical Collection
John Dillinger’s Chewed Gum: Among the museum’s most unusual artifacts sits a jar containing the famous gangster’s chewed gum, representing the eccentric nature of this one-of-a-kind collection.
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Keep Exploring →This bizarre piece of Americana demonstrates how pharmaceutical history intersects with popular culture in unexpected ways.
Disneyland’s Original Upjohn Pharmacy: The complete pharmacy collection from Disneyland greets visitors upon entry, showcasing authentic 1950s pharmaceutical equipment and displays.
This remarkable acquisition preserves a piece of both Disney history and mid-century pharmacy practice in pristine condition.
Historic Show Globe Collection: Over 50 antique show globes create a stunning visual display representing the traditional symbols of pharmacy that once adorned every drugstore window.
These colorful glass vessels tell the story of how pharmacies advertised their services before modern marketing existed.
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Discover MoreInteractive “Great Moments in Pharmacy” Exhibit: This Telly Awards Silver Winner features 40 digitized paintings from the 1950s transformed into moving parallax animations with expert narration.
The 10-month production involved international talent to bring static artwork to life through cutting-edge technology.
Asthma Cigarette Collection: Historical medical artifacts include items that seem shocking by today’s standards, such as cigarettes marketed to treat asthma. These displays highlight how dramatically medical understanding has evolved over the past century.
Jesse Hurlbut’s Founding Collection: The museum’s backbone consists of thousands of items collected by former state board inspector Jesse Hurlbut and his wife Mary, who traveled Arizona for decades gathering pharmaceutical artifacts from closing drugstores.
Modern Interactive Experience
Cutting-Edge Technology: The 2022 renovation transformed this from a static “look but don’t touch” museum into a dynamic, interactive experience featuring electronics and hands-on exhibits. Modern technology bridges historical artifacts with contemporary engagement methods.
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Keep Exploring →Centralized Gallery Space: After 55 years of exhibits scattered throughout hallway displays, the museum now features a dedicated interpretive gallery that provides focused storytelling. This centralized approach creates a cohesive narrative about pharmaceutical evolution.
Future-Forward Design: The sleek, modern exhibition space balances respect for historical artifacts with futuristic presentation methods. Interactive displays and dynamic lighting create an engaging atmosphere that appeals to all ages.
Educational Programming: Beyond static displays, the museum offers educational programs that connect pharmaceutical history to current health sciences. These programs bridge past practices with modern pharmaceutical innovations.
Historic University Setting
University of Arizona Campus: Located within the prestigious R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, the museum benefits from academic resources and ongoing pharmaceutical research. The university setting adds scholarly credibility to the collection’s interpretation.
Skaggs Building Location: The museum occupies room 260 of the Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, with easy access from the Hippocrates and Coit courtyard. The modern facility provides appropriate climate control and security for valuable artifacts.
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Discover MoreAcademic Integration: Students and faculty regularly use the museum for research and educational purposes, creating a living laboratory where historical pharmacy practices inform current studies. This integration ensures the collection remains relevant to contemporary pharmaceutical education.
National Recognition: As one of the world’s leading collections of pharmaceutical artifacts, the museum attracts researchers and visitors from international institutions. The academic setting supports serious scholarly work while maintaining public accessibility.
Visitor Information & Access
Free Admission: The museum offers completely free admission with donations welcomed, making this world-class collection accessible to everyone. This pricing structure reflects the educational mission and university support for public engagement.
Limited Operating Hours: Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM, with Tuesday and Thursday by appointment only. The restricted schedule requires advance planning but ensures quality visitor experiences with knowledgeable staff.
Appointment-Based Tours: Tuesday and Thursday appointments allow for personalized guided tours that can focus on specific interests or educational needs. These private sessions provide deeper insights into the collection’s most significant pieces.
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Keep Exploring →Exterior Building Access: The museum features an exterior entrance on the northwest side of the Skaggs Building, providing convenient access without navigating the entire university campus. Clear signage directs visitors to the proper entrance.
Parking Considerations: University parking requires permits or visitor passes, with several parking options available near the Skaggs Building. Planning for parking logistics ensures smooth visits to this unique attraction.
Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
📍 1295 N Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721
