Albert Einstein Memorial

I myself should be dead already but I’m still here

One may walk or drive by and never notice Albert Einstein sitting quietly on semicircular steps. Albert is seated and holding a piece of paper with three of his most recognizable and important mathematical equations scribbled upon it: the Theory of General Relativity, the Photoelectric Effect, and the Equivalence of Energy and Matter. Einstein was selected as Time’s “Person of the Century for the 20th Century,” and his larger-than-life likeness now sits in an unassuming spot on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences.

Don’t for a moment think that he is just another pretty face in the landscape of sculpture and statues scattered all over the city. Walk up those few steps into his little garden and visit with the genius. Immediately notice what a perfect spot his lap and shoulders are for a memorable photo – visitors will want to snuggle up next to him and pose. Artist Robert Berks, known for his unique sculptural portraits, based this one on his 1953 study of Einstein in life.

There are three quotations inscribed on Einstein’s bench that speak to his philosophical and humanitarian outlook towards the world. At his feet, there are over 2700 metal studs that represent the stars, sun, moon and other planets and celestial objects as mapped by astronomers on the memorial’s dedication day of April 22, 1979, just weeks after the centennial of Einstein’s birth.

But wait! There is an important secret within this monument to everyone’s favorite theoretical physicist. Only one person can be standing on the statue at one time, including the surrounding steps, for it to work. Stand on the large dot representing the center of the planetary constellation at Albert’s feet. Face the statue and speak directly to it, and you will hear your own voice in surround sound as it echoes off the statue. It feels like magic, but, as Albert knows, it’s really science.

Address 2101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20418, on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences, www.nasonline.org/about-nas/visiting-nas/nas-building/ the-einstein-memorial.html | Getting there Metro to Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue, Orange, and Silver Line), walk south to Constitution Avenue NW; bus 42, 43 to Virginia Avenue & 19th Street NW; DC Circulator (National Mall Route) to Constitution Avenue and 21st Street NW | Hours Unrestricted | Tip Visit the five statues of Los Libertadores of Latin America: José de San Martín, Benito Juárez, Bernardo de Gálvez, General José Gervasio

Artigas, and Simón Bolívar along Virginia Avenue NW, between 18th and 25th Streets NW.