Heritage Centre
The accredited Museum of Anaesthesia and Heritage Centre tells the remarkable story of anaesthesia, from its first public demonstration in 1846 to modern day anaesthetists working in the aftermath of wars and terrorist attacks. The Museum, rare book collection and archive are a unique resource for both curious visitors and specialist researchers.
The museum grew out of A. Charles King’s private collection of historic anaesthetic apparatus, which he donated to the Association of Anaesthetists in 1953. The collection has since grown to include nearly 5,000 objects, 1,000 archive documents and 7,000 library items. Objects span the entire history of the profession and tell the story of modern anaesthesia from its earliest beginnings in the 1840s, to technological advancements, and its use in war and childbirth.
The museum has a permanent and a temporary display, as well as pull-out drawers and flip books containing biographies and details of large anaesthetic machines. The collections give an insight into the history of anaesthesia, resuscitation and pain relief.
For more information, email [email protected] or call 020 7631 1650 option 7.
Please note we cannot allow anyone under the age of 14 into the museum unless accompanied by an adult.
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Opening hours
We are open Monday to Friday 10:00 – 16:00 (closed bank holidays). Last admission is 15:30.
Entry is free.
Getting here
The Heritage Centre is housed at the Association of Anaesthetists' headquarters at 21 Portland Place, London, W1B 1PY.
By underground: The nearest tube stations are Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines), Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line), and Great Portland Street (Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines). The closest stations with step-free access are Warren Street (Victoria line only) and Bond Street (Jubilee line only). Find out the best way to get to us by tube with Transport for London’s journey planner.
By bus: These buses stop close to the building: 7, 8, 10, 18, 25, 27, 30, 55, 73, 88, 98, 176, 205, 553, C2. Find out the best way to get to us by bus with Transport for London’s journey planner.
By train: If you are travelling by train, the nearest stations are Euston, King’s Cross and King’s Cross St Pancras.
By bike: There is a Santander Cycles docking station at either end of Portland Place. A complete list of docking stations is available on the Transport for London website. There is bike storage at the museum if you are travelling on your own bike, but please note the storage is accessed via stairs.
By car: We do not have a car park. Local parking with NCP is available for a charge.
Accessibility
The Association is committed to providing the widest possible access to its Museum, collections and services to enable audiences from all sections of the community to enjoy use of the Museum. Our policy is to build accessibility into everything that we do to develop and improve our services. This commitment is long term and our aim is to make continuous improvements as our resources permit.
Read our Access Policy Statement.
Read our full Accessibility Guide, including a visual guide:
Accessibility Guide (PDF) / Accessibility Guide (Word doc)
Accessibility Guide (mobile-friendly)