Museo dell’officina profumo - farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

The Museo dell'officina profumo-farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella displays machinery, bottles, and handwritten formulas that show how perfumes and medicines were made over the centuries. The rooms occupy the original laboratories where these products were actually created and processed.

Dominican friars founded this workshop in the 13th century and began turning herbs into remedies and fragrances for their community. Over time, the reputation of these products spread throughout Europe, especially among nobility and wealthy merchants.

This place honors the craft of perfume-making and pharmacy that became deeply rooted in Florence over centuries. You can see how these two professions were once closely linked and shaped the city's reputation.

The building sits in the old city center and is easy to reach on foot from the main square. It helps to arrive in the morning, since the rooms are compact and can get crowded as the day goes on.

One special room preserves the actual formula for a rose water essence that was created in the 16th century for a famous Florentine family. This recipe is still used today to produce fragrances using ancient techniques.

Location: Florence

Inception: 1860

Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00

Phone: +39055216276

Email: visiteofficina@smnovella.com

Website: http://smnovella.com

GPS coordinates: 43.77414,11.24782

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:26