Is there a special ticket price for museum members?

While the Annual Fundraiser does not offer discounted tickets, Dufilho Society members receive two complimentary tickets. Members should email nopmsocial@gmail.com to claim theirs.

Do I need to bring cash to the event?

Your ticket covers food, drinks, and initial chips, but you may want cash or Venmo on hand for tips, additional raffle tickets, or extra chip purchases.

What is included with a general admission ticket?

General admission includes entry, 4 chips for gaming, cocktails, beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres, one raffle ticket, and access to the live auction.

Is the museum fully wheelchair accessible?

The first floor is wheelchair accessible, but the second floor (auction and exhibits) is accessible only by stairs.

Can I bid on auction items before the event?

Yes, the live auction opens November 29th on 32auctions and runs until 9 p.m. on the event night.

Are there age restrictions for the event?

Guests must be 18 or older to play casino games and 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

Experience Viva Las Vegas: New Orleans Pharmacy Museum’s 25th Annual Fundraiser | Museum | Events

Located in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum stands as a remarkable tribute to two centuries of medical history and preservation. On December 6th, this historic museum lights up for its 25th Annual Fundraiser, *Viva Las Vegas*, a lively casino-themed event that celebrates 75 years of dedication to education and conservation. Guests step into a vibrant evening reminiscent of Sin City’s iconic glitz and glamour, complete with casino tables, a live auction, and flavorful bites — a true standout occasion that blends community spirit with a nod to rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia. The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum occupies a beautifully preserved 200-year-old building that houses one of the nation’s most comprehensive collections of pharmaceutical artifacts. This event is far more than a party — it’s a vital fundraiser ensuring continued conservation of this historic site and its unique artifacts, while reinforcing the museum’s commitment to inclusivity and access in the local community. Visitors at *Viva Las Vegas* enjoy a dynamic night filled with gaming at casino tables, a martini and oyster bar featuring specialties by Five’s, craft beers, fine wines, and specialty cocktails. The live auction, which starts a week before and culminates during the event, offers a chance to bid on unique items, drawing in patrons who appreciate both philanthropy and fine entertainment. Adding excitement, the raffle drawing creates extra chances for guests to win, encouraging a festive and giving atmosphere. This event transforms the museum’s space, blending history with a contemporary celebration, offering locals and travelers alike a memorable experience that connects them to New Orleans’ rich heritage in a fun and engaging way. Accessibility is thoughtfully addressed with first-floor wheelchair access, although the second floor hosting exhibits and auction displays is accessible only by stairs. Choosing to attend *Viva Las Vegas* means supporting a vital cultural institution while indulging in an evening of charm, chance, and community. It's an excellent complement to any New Orleans visit, especially for those interested in history, unique cultural events, and local philanthropy. Whether you’re a returning supporter or a curious newcomer, this event offers a rare glimpse into the city’s dedication to conserving its past while celebrating the present. Mark your calendar for a night where preservation meets playful Vegas vibes — an unmissable occasion in the vibrant city of New Orleans.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

3 hours.

Fitness level

No physical exertion required; suitable for most visitors in general good health

Wildlife

Urban peregrine falcons nesting locally
Seasonal migratory songbirds in nearby parks

History

Founded in 1948, the Pharmacy Museum preserves 200 years of medical history with artifacts spanning apothecary science to early medicine.

Conservation

Funds raised support ongoing preservation of the museum’s historic building and rare artifact collection, emphasizing sustainable conservation practices.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum interprets the history of pharmacy and medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana, through guided tours, seasonal events, and curated exhibits. Located in the French Quarter, the museum offers floor-by-floor access including first-floor displays, a courtyard, and second-floor exhibitions that explore 19th-century remedies and medical practices. Visitors can book standard guided tours that examine historical treatments — leeches, opium, potions — and learn about local figures and sites tied to medical and herbal traditions. The museum hosts limited-time, themed experiences in October, such as Mostly Ghostly, a ghost-focused guided tour that blends medical history with reported hauntings, and The Spirited Salon, an after-hours program featuring stories, refreshments, and themed costumes. The Magic of Medicine tour expands interpretation beyond the building to nearby historic sites, including the home of America’s first licensed pharmacist and streets associated with herbalist Marie Laveau. Community engagement includes annual fundraising and preservation events. The museum’s Viva Las Vegas fundraiser celebrates the institution’s 75th anniversary with a casino-themed evening of gaming, a live auction, food, and drink. Ticketed programs, timed entries, and special events are available for advance reservation. Explanatory labels, period artifacts on display, and guided narration help contextualize 19th-century remedies and cultural practices. The museum emphasizes education, historic interpretation, and preservation while offering visitors a range of experiences from daytime guided tours to seasonal and fundraising events. Trained staff and docents provide narrated tours rooted in documented sources, and the museum encourages advance reservations to manage capacity and protect fragile artifacts for future visitors and educational outreach.

Base locationNew Orleans, Louisiana

Tours offered5+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace

My Trip

My Trip

Experience Viva Las Vegas: New Orleans Pharmacy Museum’s 25th Annual Fundraiser

A full day in New Orleans.

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