Visit Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

The Apothecary Museum is located in Old Town Alexandria, near many shops, restaurants, and other museums and historic sites. Alexandria is half-way between Washington, D.C. and Mount Vernon. The museum offers self-guided tours of the first floor or guided tours of the first and second floors.
Page updated on October 30, 2023 at 2:29 PM

Address

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 South Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

The museum is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, near many shops, restaurants, and other museums and historic sites. Metered Parking is available on South Fairfax Street, with two or three hour parking on nearby residential streets. Parking regulations are strictly enforced. There are also convenient parking garages nearby.

Hours of Operation

Spring-Summer Hours Fall-Winter Hours
Cherry Blossom Festival to October 31 November 1 to the beginning of Cherry Blossom Festival
Monday 1 – 5 p.m.
Tuesday closed
Wednesday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.

Monday closed
Tuesday closed
Wednesday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.

Closed
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
   

Self-Guided and Guided Tours

During open hours, the museum’s first floor is open for visitors to purchase self-guided admission to explore with a staff member available to answer questions. 45-minute guided tours are offered on the quarter after the hour beginning at 1:15 p.m. daily. See below for more information.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was a family business founded in 1792 and operated in this location from 1805 until 1933.  It represents one of Alexandria's oldest continuously run businesses that combined retailing, wholesaling, and manufacturing.

Glass Bottles on display a the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Museum Home Page

Learn about the Apothecary, its history, and its vast collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, medical equipment and archival materials. Learn about the museum's program and more.

Virtual Tour of Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum: Second Floor (2017)

Virtual Tours

Visit the first and second floors on the Google 360 virtual tours (2017) or in person.

Plan Your Visit

Event Tickets

To purchase tickets to events at the Historic Alexandria Museums and to shop online, visit The Alexandria Shop and select "Events." Visit the Historic Alexandria Calendar for a full list of events.

Admission: Self Guided Tours

Includes admission to the first floor and souvenir booklet.

  • Adults: $5.00
  • Children (ages 5 -12): $3.00
  • Children four and under are free with a paying adult.

Self-guided admission can only be purchased in-person at the museum at the time of your visit. 

Admission: Guided Tours

Guided tours are offered every afternoon starting at 1:15 and then every quarter after the hour until closing. This 45-minute tour includes the first and second floors with expert guide. Recommended for ages 8 and older.

Please arrive 5 minutes prior to the tour beginning. If running late, call the Museum at 703.746.3852. or your reservation will be forfeited 5 minutes after the tour has begun and no refunds will be issued. You will have the option of touring the first floor only if you arrive after your tour time.

  • Persons ages 5 and up: $8.00
  • Children four and under are free with a paying adult

To purchase your guided tour tickets in advance, please visit our online store and select "Events."

Keys to the City only include first floor admission, however guests may take the guided tour for an additional $3 per person if space is available. The upgraded guided tour admission may only be purchased in-person at the museum.  

Self-guided admission can only be purchased in-person at the museum at the time of your visit. 

Discounts

Discounts on self-guided tours are available to AAA Members.

Free admission (when space is available) for both self-guided and guided tours are available for: 

  • City of Alexandria residents
  • Alexandria City Employees
  • Complimentary ticket holders
  • American Alliance of Museum members (AAM) and Virginia Association of Museums Members (VAM)

  • Active duty military personnel and their families

  • Members of the Mortar and Pestle Society and HHMC member organizations

Group Services

Group tours are offered by reservation only. In order to receive the group rate, tours must include 7 or more people, be scheduled at least two weeks in advance of the tour date, and pay in full before day of arrival. For group packages and specialty tour options, contact the Program Coordinator.

Museum Shop

The Museum Shop at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum offers a wide variety of gifts and merchandise associated with the apothecary, medical history, and historic Alexandria. Products include private label tea, holiday ornaments, children’s items and a large selection of books related to medicine in America. Additional merchandise is available online from The Alexandria Shop.

Accessibility

The museum is not wheelchair accessible beyond the first floor. The City of Alexandria complies with the terms of ADA. An individual with a disability who wishes to request a reasonable accommodation may contact the Museum at 703.746.3852 at least one day prior to visit.

Guest Expectations

At all Historic Alexandria sites, we do not tolerate racist or derogatory jokes, comments, or harassment from our guests or staff. We value the dignity of all people who enter our sites. We are committed to creating an environment where together, we can explore Alexandria’s complex history in a manner that is respectful for all. Violators of this policy will be asked to leave the premises.