Entrance to the Pharmacy Museum named after mgr Antonina Leśniewska in Warsaw

Antonina Leśniewska Museum Of Pharmacy

Antonina Leśniewska Museum of Pharmacy Warsaw: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Discover Warsaw’s Museum of Pharmacy

Located in the vibrant UNESCO-listed Old Town of Warsaw, the Antonina Leśniewska Museum of Pharmacy invites visitors to journey through centuries of pharmaceutical history and celebrate the pioneering legacy of Antonina Leśniewska, Poland’s first licensed woman pharmacist. The museum stands as a testament to scientific advancement, women’s empowerment, and the cultural heritage of pharmacy in Poland. Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, authentic artifacts, and educational programs, visitors can explore the evolution of pharmacy from the 17th to the early 20th century — all within a short walk of Warsaw’s most iconic landmarks.

Introduction
Historical Background and Legacy of Antonina Leśniewska
Visiting the Museum: Location, Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Exhibitions: Permanent and Temporary Displays
Educational Outreach and Interactive Experiences
Practical Visitor Tips
Nearby Attractions and Warsaw Historical Sites
FAQs
Conclusion
References

Historical Background and Legacy of Antonina Leśniewska

Early Life and Breaking Barriers

Antonina Leśniewska (1866–1937) was born in Warsaw to a family steeped in medicine. Despite formidable gender barriers, she pursued her studies at St. Petersburg’s Imperial Military Medical Academy, becoming the first woman in the Russian Empire to earn a master’s degree in pharmacy. Leśniewska’s determination led her to pass exams reserved for men, and she later founded the first all-women pharmacy staff in St. Petersburg in 1901. Her work paved the way for women in science and pharmacy, and she championed professional, educational, and social rights for women through the creation of influential organizations and schools (Wikipedia, Science in Poland).

Later Career, Activism, and Literary Legacy

Leśniewska returned to Poland in the interwar period, reopening a pharmacy in Warsaw and continuing her advocacy for women’s rights. Her memoir, “The Unpaved Trail,” provides unique insight into her journey as a pioneering woman in science (PTFarm). She was recognized with the Knight’s Cross of the Polonia Restituta Order and remains commemorated through awards and the museum bearing her name.

Visiting the Antonina Leśniewska Museum of Pharmacy

Location and Getting There

Address: ul. Piwna 31/33, 00-265 Warsaw, Poland
Neighborhood: Warsaw Old Town, within walking distance of the Royal Castle, Old Town Market Square, and St. John’s Archcathedral (Warsaw Insider)
Getting There:
- Public Transport: Nearest metro is Ratusz Arsenał (Line M1), about 15 minutes on foot. Numerous tram and bus lines serve the area.
- By Car: Limited parking; public transport or walking is recommended.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Last admission: 30 minutes before closing
Free admission: Thursdays (permanent exhibition only) (Museum website)

Tickets and Admission

Adults: 12–20 PLN (check official website for latest prices)
Reduced: 8–12 PLN (students, seniors, children)
Children under 7: Free
Family ticket: 24 PLN (up to 2 adults + 1–6 children)
Group and guided tours: Available by appointment

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Wheelchair access: Some areas accessible; contact museum for detailed information.
Languages: Exhibits have Polish and English descriptions. Multilingual brochures are available.
Photography: Permitted without flash; some restrictions may apply.
Facilities: Restrooms, small gift shop with themed souvenirs.

Exhibitions: Permanent and Temporary Displays

Permanent Exhibition: “Res Pharmaceuticae”

The museum’s core exhibition, “Res Pharmaceuticae,” immerses visitors in the world of pharmacy through:

Reconstructed Pharmacy Interior: Step into a meticulously reconstructed Polish pharmacy from the 1920s–1930s, featuring original walnut counters, glass-fronted cabinets, and period lighting.
Historical Equipment: See over 2,500 artifacts, including 17th-century apothecary jars, retorts, balances, mortars, pill-making machines, and rare pharmaceutical texts (Best of Warsaw).
Thematic Sections:
- Officina Sanitatis: Focuses on the pharmacist’s workshop, with traditional tools and medicine preparation techniques.
- Materia Medica: Explores natural and mineral ingredients used in remedies.
- Color and Cut: Showcases the evolution of pharmaceutical glassware in vibrant displays.
- Forum Magistery Antonina Leśniewska: Honors Leśniewska’s role in advancing women’s access to pharmaceutical education.
- Kampo Medicines: Introduces Japanese herbal medicine traditions (Lonely Planet).

Temporary and Special Exhibitions

The museum regularly features temporary exhibitions focusing on specialized topics, such as herbal medicine or pharmaceutical art. Recent highlights include:

“On Herbs, Trees and Lichen” by Agnieszka Brzeżańska: Exploring the intersection of botany and pharmacy (turturi.com).

Educational Outreach and Interactive Experiences

The museum’s educational mission is realized through:

Workshops: Hands-on sessions for all ages on topics like traditional medicine-making, herbal remedies, and glassmaking.
Guided Tours: Available in Polish and English, offering deeper context and tailored experiences for school groups or tourists.
Library Access: On-site library with historical medical texts, including Leśniewska’s memoirs (Muzeum Warszawy).
Special Events: Annual events like the “Long Night of Museums” feature extended hours and interactive programming (Museum website).

Practical Visitor Tips

Time Needed: Allow 1–1.5 hours to explore the permanent exhibition and participate in workshops.
Language: Key exhibits are labeled in English and Polish; guided tours and brochures enhance understanding.
Photography: Allowed (no flash); ideal spots include the reconstructed apothecary and unique glassware displays.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons are quieter.
Accessibility: Contact the museum ahead if you have mobility needs.

Nearby Attractions and Warsaw Historical Sites

Enhance your museum visit by exploring these nearby sites:

Warsaw Old Town Market Square: The heart of Warsaw’s historic district.
Royal Castle: Former residence of Polish monarchs.
St. John’s Archcathedral: Gothic landmark with a rich history.
Museum of Warsaw: Comprehensive city history museum.
Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature: Dedicated to Poland’s most famous Romantic poet.
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews: Award-winning museum tracing 1,000 years of Jewish history in Poland.
Łazienki Park and Copernicus Science Centre: Both easily accessible by public transport for a well-rounded cultural itinerary (The Unique Poland).

Dining: Old Town abounds with cafes and restaurants serving Polish and international cuisine; try Zapiecek or Bazyliszek for classic dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the Antonina Leśniewska Museum of Pharmacy visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Closed Mondays. Free entry on Thursdays for permanent exhibitions.

Q: Where can I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are available on-site and online via the official website.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Some areas are accessible; contact the museum for detailed information.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Polish and English by prior arrangement.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Yes, but flash and tripods may be restricted.

Conclusion

The Antonina Leśniewska Museum of Pharmacy is a compelling destination for anyone interested in the history of medicine, the story of women in science, or the cultural fabric of Warsaw. Through its rich exhibitions, educational outreach, and central Old Town location, the museum offers a unique and meaningful experience for visitors of all backgrounds. Plan ahead by checking current visiting hours, ticket prices, and special events on the museum’s official channels, and consider pairing your visit with a stroll through Warsaw’s historic heart for a full day of exploration.

Discover the enduring legacy of Antonina Leśniewska — a woman whose determination and vision continue to inspire the worlds of pharmacy, science, and gender equality.