Showcasing the groundbreaking medical advances made at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital since its founding more than two centuries ago, the Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation tells a remarkable piece of Boston’s history. Known as one of the best hospitals in the world, Massachusetts General Hospital is perhaps the most globally impactful part of the city.

Named after Paul S. Russell, MD, a renowned thoracic surgeon, professor at Harvard Medical School, founder of the New England Organ Bank, and chair of the Mass General History Committee, the museum honors one of the contemporary greats in the field of medicine.

Discover the incredible feats of Massachusetts General Hospital (known to locals as “Mass General” or “MGH”) with a visit to the Russell Museum. While exploring the museum, view photographs, videos, artifacts, and interactive displays detailing medical achievements the hospital has made over the years. The museum also offers visitors access to its rooftop garden, which holds a lush array of locally grown plants and overlooks Boston’s charming Beacon Hill neighborhood.

After exploring the museum and taking in the views from the rooftop garden, walk over to the nearby Bullfinch Building to see Mass General’s historic surgical amphitheater, the Ether Dome. In 1846, history was made in the Ether Dome when the very first public surgery was performed using an anesthetic, making the process pain-free for the patient. Today, the Ether Dome is used as a teaching amphitheater and holds a small collection of artifacts for public viewing.

The museum and the Ether Dome are open on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, with free admission for all visitors. Docents are available during all open hours to provide information and give tours.