PLAN YOUR VISIT

Exterior angled street view of copper and glass MGH museum building
Photo © Anton Grassl

UPDATE: The Russell Museum will be closed for the foreseeable future in keeping with the hospital’s efforts to limit the number of people visiting the hospital and encourage social distancing. Even though the museum’s doors will be closed, we’ll be working to bring a little of the museum to you here. Stay tuned.

Exploring the Russell Museum

The Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation opened in April 2012 to showcase Massachusetts General Hospital’s more than 200 years of innovation. The nearly 8,000-square-foot facility hosts exhibits and programs on medical topics such as:
  • 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.
man looking at exhibit in first floor museum gallery
The Main Gallery
man in pink sur speaking to group of people leaning against a glass staircase wall
The Putnam Gallery
Trees and shrubs under a pergola on roof of museum
The Rooftop Garden
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Visiting the Ether Dome

B&W photo of interior of amphitheater with view of steps; old OR chairs and stone bust in background
Ether Dome, 1930s
B&W photo of Ether Dome amphitheater, view from right on steps looking down to front.
Ether Dome, 1930s
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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.