Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, the oldest hospital in the United States, is set to transform its original building, the Pine Building, into a museum. This initiative celebrates the hospital’s 275th anniversary and is part of the America250 program, marking the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial anniversary. The museum is scheduled to open to the public on May 8, 2026.
Founded in 1751 by notable figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond, Pennsylvania Hospital was the first legally chartered hospital in the country. The Pine Building, where patients received care “free of charge,” will now provide visitors with a glimpse into the history of medicine. Curator and lead archivist Stacey Peeples expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I want people to flood in here. I want it to be a good experience for Philadelphia. And I think it will be. I think there’s so much to offer.”
The museum will feature the original surgical theater, where doctors performed procedures before live audiences. Patients often endured surgeries without anesthesia, relying instead on alcohol to dull their pain. Visitors can also explore the medical library, which boasts a collection of over 13,000 texts, some dating back to the 15th century.
Additionally, the museum will restore the original apothecary, showcasing the evolution of medical treatments from using medicinal herbs to advanced therapies like CAR-T immunotherapy. Peeples noted the significance of this progression, saying, “So, you go from this idea of, we’re taking plants and we’re boiling down the root and everything, to this idea of, we’re using your own cells and your body to make you well.”
A key focus of the museum is to honor not only the prominent figures in the hospital’s history but also the everyday staff who contributed to its legacy. Peeples emphasized the importance of acknowledging the roles of bricklayers, matrons, housekeepers, and cooks, whose efforts were vital to the hospital’s operations in the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum will rely on historical records, including matron logs that document daily activities and responsibilities.
The Pine Building is also home to the nation’s first medical library, established in 1762. The museum will implement a timed-entry ticket reservation system and offer guided tours at least twice a day, allowing visitors to explore the premises independently as well.
As Pennsylvania Hospital prepares for this significant milestone, it aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience that reflects both its historical significance and its ongoing contributions to medicine.
