Welcome to the Pharmacy & Medical Museum of Texas, where history comes alive inside an incredibly preserved piece of South Texas Heritage. Originally built by the Heaton Brothers in 1889, our historic building was specifically designed as a pharmacy and drugstore—and for over 123 years it has never housed any other type of business until it became a museum!

The museum is a lifelong dream fulfilled by the late Mr. Joe Reuss and his wife, Wanda. Coming from a multi-generational medical and pharmaceutical family "that never threw anything away," Mr. Reuss acquired a vast, breathtaking collection of authentic artifacts that are beautifully displayed here for the public to explore.

Today, the museum is proudly owned by the City of Cuero and operated as a branch of the Cuero Heritage Museum.

What You'll Discover Inside:

• The Pristine 1889 Interior: Walk along the first floor to marvel at the completely intact, original 1889 wall cabinets, vintage display counters, and the master pharmacist’s preparation bench exactly where they were placed over a century ago.
• Turn-of-the-Century Medical Treasures: Explore the beautifully restored first-floor exhibits featuring authentic pharmaceutical and medical equipment from the late 1800s through the early 1900s.
• The Historic Iron Lung Exhibit: Marvel at a rare, beautifully preserved iron lung and learn how this massive, groundbreaking machine saved countless lives during medical history's toughest challenges.
• Early General Store Wonders: Discover how early pharmacies sold just about everything—not just medicine! Take a nostalgic look at vintage everyday household goods.
• The Doctors & Dentists Exhibits: Head upstairs to tour our newly completed, immersive restorations of a historic medical doctor’s office and a vintage dentist's office, packed with antique medical tools.

Plan Your Visit Today!

We are a free donation based museum.

Our knowledgeable museum staff loves interacting with visitors, sharing local lore, and guiding you through our unique exhibits.

Added Bonus: Double the History: Complete your journey back in time by visiting our sister location, the Cuero Heritage Museum, located just one block over. Housed in a beautifully restored 1915 Federal Building, the Cuero Heritage Museum proudly celebrates the unique identity, vibrant people, and legendary traditions of South Texas. From our world-famous vintage collections to interactive historical quests, our permanent and rotating exhibits showcase extraordinary adventures around every corner.

Family-Friendly Fun: Ask for our interactive museum scavenger hunt and the coloring activity book to keep the kids engaged!

Accessibility Update: We are actively working on an exciting infrastructure project to install an elevator to improve accessibility across both floors.

Guided Tours: Discover the fascinating history of medicine at the Pharmacy & Medical Museum of Texas by scheduling a guided group tour for your school, company, or organization. We host group visits during both weekdays and weekends—simply call us ahead at 361-485-8090 or email: afitts@cityofcuero.com to arrange your personalized journey back in time!

Come see why this historic town in the heart of South Texas is anything but ordinary.

We are reachable by phone at 361-485-8090.

Cuero Heritage Museum

124 E. Church Street * Cuero, Texas 77954 (one block over)

Come for a visit and take a step back in time.  

City of Cuero owned & operated.