Museum of Anaesthesia
A free museum at the Association of Anaesthetists' headquarters in Portland Place telling the story of anaesthesia, resuscitation and pain relief.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museum of Anaesthesia is part of the Heritage Centre of the Association of Anaesthetists, which has its headquarters at 21 Portland Place in central London. It began with the private collection of historic anaesthetic apparatus assembled by A. Charles King, which he gave to the Association in 1953. The story it tells starts with the first public demonstration of anaesthesia in 1846.
Today the collection holds about 5,000 objects, 1,000 archive documents and 7,000 library items. The objects cover anaesthesia, resuscitation and pain relief, including their use in wartime and in childbirth. A permanent display is complemented by temporary displays, and pull-out drawers and flip books give biographies and details of large anaesthetic machines.
The museum is free to visit on weekdays. It is accredited and belongs to the London Museums of Health and Medicine. Groups can arrange bespoke visits with a presentation by volunteers, a chance to try intubation and a tour of the museum, and school groups visit free of charge.
Highlights
- History of anaesthesia from the first public demonstration in 1846
- About 5,000 objects on anaesthesia, resuscitation and pain relief
- Collection that began with A. Charles King's gift of 1953
- Pull-out drawers and flip books on large anaesthetic machines
- Free entry
Permanent exhibition
- Museum of Anaesthesia collection – A permanent display on the history of anaesthesia, resuscitation and pain relief, with historic apparatus, archive documents and biographies.
- Operated by
- Association of Anaesthetists
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | –Group visits are arranged individually for up to 45 people: £80 per group for higher education and private tour groups; free for primary and secondary schools and charitable groups, with donations welcome. |
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Entry is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Association publishes an accessibility guide with a visual guide and an access policy statement. The nearest step-free Underground stations are Warren Street (Victoria line) and Bond Street (Jubilee line). Bike storage is reached by stairs.
Kids & families
Children under 14 are admitted only with an adult.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Great Portland Street
Underground: Oxford Circus, Regent's Park or Great Portland Street; step-free access at Warren Street (Victoria line) and Bond Street (Jubilee line). Buses 7, 8, 10, 18 and 25 stop nearby. Rail: Euston, King's Cross and St Pancras.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
There is no car park at the building; a pay car park (NCP) is nearby. Santander Cycles docking stations are at both ends of Portland Place.
The museum is inside the Association's headquarters on Portland Place.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
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| Good to know | Group visits include a presentation by volunteers, a chance to try intubation and a tour of the museum. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. |
