The Ether Dome is a domed surgical amphitheater on the top floor of the Bulfinch Building at Massachusetts General Hospital, designed by architect Charles Bulfinch and completed in the early 1820s. On October 16, 1846, it became the site of the first public demonstration of surgical anesthesia using ether, a watershed moment in medicine that gave the room its enduring name and made it a National Historic Landmark.
The amphitheater still serves the hospital for lectures and meetings, but when not in use it is open to visitors who can climb to see the tiered wooden seating, period surgical instruments, and even an Egyptian mummy displayed in the space. Because it remains a working part of an active hospital on the Fruit Street campus in the West End, access can be limited by events; confirm current visiting arrangements with Mass General before going.
Good to know
- Site of the first public demonstration of ether anesthesia, in 1846
- A designated National Historic Landmark within the Bulfinch Building
- Still an active hospital space, so access can be limited during events
- Confirm current visiting hours and access with Mass General before visiting
Getting there
- Address: Bulfinch Building, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114
- Neighborhood: West End
- Nearest T: Charles/MGH (Red Line), adjacent to the hospital campus