St. Joseph’s University is home to a museum unlike any other in the region, writes Diane Holliday for Saint Joseph’s University Magazine.
The Lower Merion exhibit traces the story of medicine through ornate jars, quirky drugstore ads, and century-old remedies. Nestled within Griffith Hall, the Marvin Samson Museum for the History of Pharmacy is a time capsule of Philadelphia’s rich pharmaceutical legacy.
Closed for renovations due to water damage, the museum is set to reopen in August 2025 with Indications, a new exhibition co-curated by Artist-in-Residence Teresa Cervantes. The show blends apothecary tradition with contemporary art, featuring hand-colored photos of medicine cabinets from SJU students and faculty.
With more than 12,000 artifacts—donated by alumni, faculty, and area pharmacies—the museum includes everything from early penicillin vials to nostalgic branded items like Nicorette pens and Valium paperweights. Historic labels, antique drug jars, and vintage marketing giveaways reflect how pharmacies once served as both medical and social hubs.
Named for pharmaceutical innovator Marvin Samson, the museum serves as a hands-on learning lab for students across disciplines.
To explore the history of American medicine through a uniquely local lens, visit Saint Joseph’s University Magazine.
