Activity Overview
Located in the National Science Federation front gardens on Constitution Avenue, this larger than life memorial to Albert Einstein is located near the Lincoln Memorial and worth the few minutes it takes to visit. The bronze figure, weighing approximately 4 tons, is 12 feet in height.
The star map at the statue's base—a 28-foot field of emerald pearl granite from Larvik, Norway—is embedded with more than 2,700 metal studs representing the planets, sun, moon, stars, and other celestial objects.
This isn’t an enormous memorial in the same way as the presidential memorials, however, its a fun statue and worth crossing over from the mall to ponder a few theories and grab a quick, smart photo op.
Things to See & Do
In its left hand, the figure holds a paper with mathematical equations summarizing three of Einstein's most important scientific contributions: the photoelectric effect, the theory of general relativity, and the equivalence of energy and matter.
Three quotations from Einstein are engraved on the bench where the figure is seated:
- As long as I have any choice in the matter, I shall live only in a country where civil liberty, tolerance, and equality of all citizens before the law prevail.
- Joy and amazement of the beauty and grandeur of this world of which man can just form a faint notion.
- The right to search for truth implies also a duty; one must not conceal any part of what one has recognized to be true.
Look for the stars map which is embedded with more than 2,700 metal studs representing the planets, sun, moon, stars, and other celestial objects accurately positioned by astronomers from the U.S. Naval Observatory.
Kids will love the huge statue and the star maps.
It's easy to climb up and pose on his lap for a photo op. Climbing is encouraged!
Einstein Memorial Insider Tips
- Interesting facts about the statue are on the plaques next to the statue.
- Visitors can climb him, take some cool photos, hang out for a bit and continue on.
- The statue/memorial is located across the street from the Lincoln Memorial (Foggy Bottom metro).
