[Archived] Apothecary Museum Offering Discount to Harry Potter Moviegoers

See Dragon’s Blood, Unicorn Root and Other Curious Remedies

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2,” the long-awaited last installment of the movies based on the books by J.K. Rowling, comes out on July 15,  but the magic doesn’t end there! Alexandria’s Apothecary Museum, where “potions” were mixed and sold for 141 years, is full of thousands of curious objects, herbs and remedies. Their elixirs may not have promised luck to the user, but many were considered “cure-alls” in their time.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is offering $1 off the regular admission fee for each person presenting a ticket stub from “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” Visitors will discover the real uses for dragon’s blood, unicorn root, mandrake root and other mysterious but powerful plants on a 30-minute tour of the historic family business at 105-107 South Fairfax Street. Regular admission is $5 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $3 for children (ages 5 to 12).

For those desiring an even more magical experience, the Apothecary is offering an hour-long “Potions and Lotions” program to groups. Visitors tour the museum and then mix their own bottle of lotion to take home. The “Potions and Lotions” tour is open to groups of six or more and makes an unforgettable birthday party for kids and ’tweens or a unique “girls day out” for teens and adults! Rates begin at $6 a person. To book a “Potions and Lotions” tour or get more information, call 703.746.4739.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Old Town Alexandria is noted for its outstanding collection of medicinal herbs, shop furnishings, apothecary bottles and equipment, many still in their original location. It also has a spectacular collection of archival materials, including journals, letters and diaries, prescription and formula books, ledgers, orders and invoices. The names of famous customers appear in the documents, including Martha Washington, Nelly Custis, and Robert E. Lee.

For more information about the Apothecary Museum, visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703.746.3852.