A hidden gem in Kyiv: discover the alchemist's laboratory you've probably never seen before (photos included).
In Kyiv, there exists an unusual atmospheric place that many people are unaware of. It refers to the first private pharmacy in the capital, which was opened in 1728 by the German Johann Geiter in Podil.
Later, an extraordinary museum was established in the building, featuring an exhibition with over 50,000 exhibits. Here, you can find unique pharmacy furniture and utensils, as well as intriguing thematic installations — a monk-herbalist's cell and an alchemist's laboratory.
The editorial team of "Telegraph" decided to share with its readers this amazing place that will not only provide a wealth of vivid emotions but also help you discover many new things.
The History of the First Private Pharmacy in Kyiv
3 Until the 17th century, there was no pharmacy business in Kyiv: the city lived without medicines, suffering from unsanitary conditions and diseases, while the markets thrived with the trade of "potions," often leading to dire consequences.
In 1715, a state pharmacy was established in the city; however, it only served military personnel and was inaccessible to ordinary Kyiv residents. In 1728, the German Johann Geiter opened the first private pharmacy in Podil, situated between the Frolivsky and Petropavlivsky monasteries.
4 It remained the only private pharmacy in Kyiv until the 1770s. After Geiter's death, the right to operate the pharmacy passed to his widow, Anna Geiter, who subsequently transferred this right to a nobleman from East Prussia, Georg-Friedrich Bunge, who had trained in pharmacy in Tilsit.
In the following years, both the owners and the building's intended use changed several times, transforming from a pharmacy-residential space to residential, commercial, office, and even construction purposes.
5 Only in the 1970s was it decided to create a pharmacy-museum from the first private pharmacy in Kyiv. Restoration began in 1983, and the museum officially opened in 1986.
Little-Known Facts
6 Interestingly, at that time, only men could engage in the pharmaceutical business. This was partly due to the prevailing belief that women could not mix medicines in precise proportions.
Additionally, working in a pharmacy required considerable physical effort for grinding medicinal components, as well as for producing tablets, which were made using a special press.
7 A unique feature of the museum is the wine cellar, where wine and medicinal tinctures were produced, which could then be purchased at the pharmacy.
Its distinctive characteristic is the constant temperature, which remains unchanged regardless of the season. In addition to wine, ointments and mixtures were also infused there.
8 9 
0 At that time, the production of medicines was an expensive luxury that only wealthy individuals could afford. To emphasize their status, some ladies ordered exquisite boxes with precious stones for their tablets, which they attached to their dresses.
The cost of one exclusive tablet reached 10 rubles, which was enough to buy a carriage at that time!
1 2 It is also known that in the 1980s, archaeologists discovered underground caves and many fascinating and mysterious artifacts related to the history of Podil beneath the museum's basement.
However, these findings were allegedly hidden from the public, and no one knows what the archaeologists truly uncovered there.
3 What You Can See Here
The museum's collection boasts over 50,000 exhibits – including pharmacy furniture from the 18th to 19th centuries, samples of pharmacy utensils from different eras, fragments of manuscripts from the times of Kyivan Rus, ancient medical and therapy textbooks, prescription journals, personal archival materials from Kyiv pharmacists, and much more.
4 There are jars of perfumes and inks, tooth powder, various medicinal preparations for both wealthy and poor buyers, spirited jars containing snakes, snails, scorpions, and crabs, which were supposedly used to make medicinal products.
5 6 The basement houses an exhibition that tells the story of the development of medicine and pharmacy: a cave hall, a monk-herbalist's cell, a healer's hut, a wine cellar, and an alchemist's laboratory.
Today, you can feel the atmosphere of an old pharmacy, hear interesting stories about medicines and pharmacists of the past, and view exhibits, the collection of which is constantly being updated.
7 Where to Find the Pharmacy-Museum in Podil
Address: 7 Prytysko-Nykolskaya St.
Working Hours: Monday — Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00.
Phone: +380 44 425 2437.
8 Based on materials from publications "Evening Kyiv" and "Kyiv — My Favorite City."
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The Uvarov estate is a local architectural monument, yet terrible things occurred within its walls that would chill anyone's blood.
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