The Museum’s collection encompasses over twelve thousand objects dating from the founding of the College in 1821 through to present day. Grown primarily through donations from Philadelphia-area pharmacies and Philadelphia College of Pharmacy faculty and alumni, the collection spans fine art and material history relating to the development of pharmacy education, practice, and science at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and in the Philadelphia region. The collection is estimated to be one of the largest in North America with over 12,000 objects.

The Museum collection includes: tools and equipment; drug jars and medicine bottles; compounding chemicals; patent medicines and other therapeutics; personal care; botanical and mineral specimens; paintings; sculpture; decorative objects; photographs; prints; bound volumes and ledgers; advertisements and promotional materials; prescriptions; memorabilia; and diplomas.

Explore our online collection database.

Pennsylvania Photos and Documents Online Collections represents a subset of collection materials relating specific to Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia region. See our collections of Philadelphia College of Pharmacy History and Philadelphia-area pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

Explore the Zine Library online catalog. Print copies of most titles are available free in the Zine Library located in the rear of the museum gallery. 

Learn more about the Marvin Samson Museum of Pharmacy collecting areas, donation guidelines, and access policy in our Collection Development Policy.