Ether Dome
Museum · West End ·

Ether Dome

Museum · West End ·

Historic operating theater, site of first ether anesthesia demonstration

historical significance
history of medicine
first anesthetic use
preserved operating room
guided tour
mummy on display
medical museum
skeleton on display
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by http://www.flickr.com/photos/curiousexpedi...
Ether Dome by http://www.flickr.com/photos/curiousexpedi...
Ether Dome by e1savage (Atlas Obscura User)
Ether Dome by e1savage (Atlas Obscura User)
Ether Dome by e1savage (Atlas Obscura User)
Ether Dome by http://www.flickr.com/photos/curiousexpedi...
Ether Dome by ATLAS_OBSCURA
Ether Dome by ATLAS_OBSCURA
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null
Ether Dome by null

Information

Boston, MA 02114 Get directions

Restroom
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Information

Static Map

Boston, MA 02114 Get directions

+1 617 724 8009
massgeneral.org
@massgeneral
𝕏
@massgeneralnews

Features

•Restroom
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jan 9, 2026

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A Tour of the World's Most Delightful Domes

"The Ether Dome, in Boston, MA, was a working operating theater at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 1821 and 1868. Dr. William T.G. Morton, a Boston dentist, made medical history in this location in 1846, when he administered ether anesthetic to a patient just before Dr. John Collins Warren operated on a tumor in the patient’s neck. The patient slept comfortably during the operation and upon awakening announced that he had felt no pain. News of this first demonstration of surgical anesthesia spread rapidly, transforming medical practice throughout the world. The beautifully preserved operating theater, featuring a copper dome topped with windows that let in natural light, is nestled within the huge, still operating Mass General Hospital. Oddly, the Ether Dome also has an Egyptian mummy on display, laying down in a glass case, its white teeth gleaming next to its coffin. Across from the mummy is a skeleton in a matching case. And surrounding the edges of the stage are antique surgical instruments. But the real delight of the Ether Dome lies in the historic first use of ether - also on display, in the form of an enormous painting of that fateful surgery in 1846." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/domes-architecture-world-tour
ATLAS_OBSCURA
Ether Dome

Mandy & A.

Google
Well worth a visit if you’re interested in medical history. The dome has been refurbed (but kept lifelike) and is currently used as a lecture room in the main Mass General Hospital Building. If you can get a glimpse in between meetings then it’s worth the time taken, there are lots of great old photos in the older bit of the hospital and maps out some of the medical history here, the pinnacle of course being the first ether anaesthetic being used for surgery back in 1846. Fascinating bit of history.

Mitchell G

Google
As an anesthesiology resident in Boston, the ether dome is a must visit to see the site of the first public display of surgical anesthesia. It’s at MGH, which is publicly accessible to, although who want to visit. It is on the fourth floor of the old building, and you just have to climb the stairs and then enter the beautiful ether dome. When I visited, it was completely empty, and I had the whole place to myself. It’s quite insane and mind blowing how this used to be a surgical operating theater. It looks like you’re in a hall with very steep steps and seats. There are a few signs around the room, explaining the importance and history of what happened in this building many years ago. There is a skeleton used for medical teaching back in the day, as well as a sarcophagus and mummy on display. Take a step back and you’ll see that classic painting outlining that first surgical anaesthesia event.

Eric S

Google
Off the beaten path. Something totally different if you’re in the downtown Boston area. Not that many locals heard of this spot in the hospital complex. The Ether Dome is a surgical operating amphitheater in the Bulfinch Building at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, United States. It served as the hospital's operating room from its opening in 1821 until 1867. The best part about visiting this is that it feels like you’re sneaking around in places you aren’t supposed to be. There’s a cool skeleton and some mummies along with some surgical accoutrements.

Uliana I.

Google
Absolutely amazing place. It's worth a visit for 100% *kinda difficult to find, so I asked a security guy to help me. He was amazing and brought me directly to the entrance door

Fito H

Google
Nice building, historic context and interesting stories and pictures along the area. recommended to go on a tour with MGH which occurs frequently.

Álvaro M.

Google
Very iconic and historic place in the history of modern medicine: the first place where an anesthetic was used during surgery. Very interesting to see the original operating from room preserved as it was during this first surgical procedure with ether. Anyone interested in the history of medicine would gain a great perspective of what medicine was like back in the nineteenth century.

Althea F.

Google
It is a secret gem in Boston. This place is historical history. Think of it...the very first operation performed using anesthesia was performed here. It is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm.

Ann

Google
I’m glad to have read the history behind this place and then visit. It makes it more worthwhile. At the MGH main entrance ask for directions. Do note you are only allowed to visit if there are no reservations.
google avatar

Janet S.

Yelp
A great little piece of history. First ether admin. There is a small wall of information behind the auditorium. Access via a secret staircase from behind the back row. The theatre is in pristine condition and still used for events. There is also the first Mummy that came to the USA. 2600 years old . He is preserved in a glass case. An ordinary man not a noble. Main reception will give you the route to the theatre.
google avatar

Eric S.

Yelp
Off the beaten path. Something totally different if you're in the downtown Boston area. Not that many locals heard of this spot in the hospital complex. The Ether Dome is a surgical operating amphitheater in the Bulfinch Building at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, United States. It served as the hospital's operating room from its opening in 1821 until 1867. The best part about visiting this is that it feels like you're sneaking around in places you aren't supposed to be. There's a cool skeleton and some mummies along with some surgical accoutrements.
google avatar

Ivy V.

Yelp
Very small auditorium that show cases a significant historic event for medicine. Located inside the hospital, just double and call for visiting the area. This place is still used for presentations.
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A L.

Yelp
For over 30 years this has been one of my favorite quiet spots to go to. It's so magical to be sitting inside this gorgeous spot in hi
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Scott G.

Yelp
If you work in Health Care, the Ether Dome is well worth visiting. Built in 1815, it is an amazing place, full of history and artifacts. Check it out.
google avatar

Pravash M.

Yelp
A piece of history wrapped in the confines of operating theater. This is the well preserved site of the first public demonstration of surgical anesthesia (October 16, 1846). The relics, paintings and plaque are nice touches that commemorate its historical significance. When touring the site, the Mass General guide mentioned electricity was supplied by the metal dome, a la Frankenstein.
google avatar

Anne L.

Yelp
For over 30 years this has been one of my favorite quiet spots to go to. It's so magical to be sitting inside this gorgeous spot in history.
google avatar

Gregg G.

Yelp
Shocked Ether Dome wasn't already on Yelp. While the decor was slightly dated, there was plenty of seating and the artwork was fabulous. I was a little disappointed in the service. The utensils looked like they hadn't been washed in years and It took forever for anyone to ask us if we wanted a drink. Worst of all, there weren't any free samples. I may give it one more try but I'm not sure this place is going to make it.
google avatar

Cassie V.

Yelp
Toured this past weekend. Totally amazing history and our volunteer tour guide, Marty, was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the history of both the hospital and the Ether Dome itself. The site had some very neat surprises that I didn't expect, including a mummy and a real preserved med school skeleton on view within the dome. You get the real experience sitting in the observation seats as you listen to the tour, and everything is well-preserved and cared for in terms of upkeep. The tour is free but the hours are not steady since the Dome is also used for lectures and hospital grand rounds, so it sounds like a call-ahead for tour availability would be best if you are planning a visit. There's also a small medical museum building for MGH directly in front of the main medical building that is free as well if you're in the area. Don't miss it!
google avatar

Angeline K.

Yelp
Ether Dome is cool just for its historical value. My husband is an anesthesiologist so we got a real kick out of visiting this place. Loved the mural on the wall and there is a small museum in the back where they have a few select artifacts on display.