About the Gallery
Nestled within the historical confines of Griffith Hall–built in the 1920s and renowned as the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy’s oldest occupied edifice–lies the Marvin Samson Museum’s one thousand square foot gallery space. Characterized by the late 19th century Bohlander Pharmacy cabinets lining its walls, the gallery offers visitors an immersive experience of the region’s pharmaceutical heritage. Crafted between 1894 and 1900 by M.A. Heimann and Company, the beautifully fashioned wood and glass pharmacy fixtures reflect a timeless pairing of elegance and functionality. Following his retirement in 1975, George Bohlander bestowed the entire ensemble of furniture from his own pharmacy to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. The restoration and installation of the historical cabinetry was enabled through Marvin Samson’s generous benefaction.
Plan Your Visit
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Public Hours
Thursday 2-6 p.m.
Friday 1-5 p.m.
Saturdays 12-4 p.m.
To request a visit outside these hours, email pharmacymuseum@sju.edu. Visitors are encouraged to schedule at least a week in advance.
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Suggested donation of $5-15 (NOTAFLOF). Admission is free for the SJU community.
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The Marvin Samson Museum for the History of Pharmacy is located inside Griffith Hall (First Floor, 601 South 43rd St.) on Saint Joseph University’s West Philadelphia campus.
Refer to the University City campus map here.
Public Transportation:
Both the 11 and 36 SEPTA trolley lines stop at 43rd and Woodland.
Parking:
Parking is available in the University parking lot on South 43rd and Woodland, across the street from the museum. Prior to your visit, please create a parking pass and display it on your car to avoid ticketing.
To access the lot, turn onto 43rd Street (behind the England Library) and take a right out of the loop into the parking lot.
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By email: pharmacymuseum@sju.edu
By phone: 215-596-8971