PLAN YOUR VISIT

UPDATE: Because of low patient volume, the MGH Central Flu Clinic closed on Wednesday, December 9. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have not received your flu vaccine, please contact your primary care physician’s office or visit a retail pharmacy.
In keeping with the hospital’s restricted visitor policy, the museum remains closed to the public. The museum does not yet have a reopening date. In the meantime, please keep checking back here for information about virtual events.
Exploring the Russell Museum
- The evolution of health care
- Laboratory and clinical research
- Patient and family support
The Russell Museum is located on MGH’s main campus. Admission is free.
Areas of the Museum
The three levels of the Russell Museum include:
- The Main Gallery, located on the first floor, houses nearly 2,000 square feet of exhibits organized around various medical themes.
- The Putnam Gallery, located on the third floor, features rotating exhibits and space for lectures, presentations, receptions and other special events.
- The Rooftop Garden hosts more than 30 kinds of trees, shrubs, grasses, vines and ground covers along with sweeping views of the Beacon Hill neighborhood. It is open year-round.



Visiting the Ether Dome


The Ether Dome, site of the first successful public surgery using ether as an anesthetic, is down the street from the museum. Located in the Bulfinch Building, this former surgical amphitheater is open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm, except during faculty meetings. Call the museum at 617-724-8009 to find out the Dome’s schedule.
Transportation and Parking
Visitors are strongly encouraged to take public transportation. The museum is a short walk from the Charles/MGH Station on the MBTA Red Line.
Parking at MGH garages is limited to patients and their families and visitors. Museum visitors may use on-street metered parking or non-MGH nearby parking garages. The museum does not offer validated parking.
Docents and Tours
The museum is designed to be self-guided, but docents are often on hand to welcome visitors and answer questions. Leaders of groups of ten or more must call 617-726-4548 to schedule their visit. For more information about group visits, click here.
Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible for people in wheelchairs. The museum includes 12 videos or interactive media components, all of which are captioned.
MGH Dining
Several Mass General cafeterias and cafés are within a short walk of the museum.