The Triolet Pharmaceutical Museum, known as La Botica Francesa (the French pharmacy), was declared Cuban National Landmark for its originality, preservation and its 125-year history.

The colonial-designed pharmacy is located across from La Libertad Park in the city of Matanzas, just 100 Kms east of Havana. It is the only one of its type in the world and displays more than a million and a half formulas of 19th century medicines.

Museum director Marcia Brito told this agency that the National Landmark award is the highest distinction granted by the National Patrimony Council to cultural institutions.

The French Pharmacy was founded by Ernesto Triolet 125 years ago. In 1964 it was turned into a pharmaceutical museum showing not only medicinal formulas but also the furniture made out of precious Cuban woods, marble and original porcelain. More than a thousand people from around the world visit the museum every month, said the director.

Among the most interesting pieces of the collection are the Apothecary Eyes, which are ornamental recipients made out of bohemia glass, filled with red and yellow colored water, exclusively designed for the Botica Francesa.

Also part of the exhibit are large glass and china containers made in Spain known as "demijohns" porcelain pots and glass bottles containing syrups, unguents and capsules created by the most outstanding Cuban physicians of the 19th century.

The pharmacy's gold and porcelain foundation cup is placed next to an effigy of the Blessed Virgin of the Apothecaries to welcome visitors to the museum, which though currently being remodeled has its doors still open to the public.


(ACN