PHARMACIE DE L'ANCIEN HOPITAL

The pharmacy was created between 1859 and 1862 within the general hospital of Mende, itself founded in 1678 by Monseigneur de Piencourt. It replaced a first pharmacy installed in 1786 but not located in the current building. This pharmacy was in service until 1973 when a modern pharmacy was created in the new hospital center. For 20 years, the room was used as a storage area, fortunately without major deterioration. In 1998, the old hospital was transformed into a residence for independent elderly people by the municipality and the pharmacy became an activity and entertainment room as well as a place to celebrate masses (the old chapel having been transformed into a refectory). Since 2017, the decision to close this space to preserve it was followed by a complete restoration campaign completed at the end of 2019. During this work, two adjoining rooms were converted into a museum space presenting the history of the Mende hospitals as well as sculptures from the old chapel. Today, during guided tours, you can discover this collection of more than 250 jars presented in their original walnut and glass display cases. All of the objects present, and there are many, are original. This makes this pharmacy one of the 10 most beautiful 19th century pharmacies in France . Please note: This place can only be visited during guided tours (organized several times a week in the summer and by reservation out of season) . Learn more about Mende's historical heritage and all the sites not to be missed .

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