The Einstein memorial, which draws thousands of visitors each year, has become perhaps the NAS Building’s most recognizable symbol.  Surrounded by holly and elm trees in the southwest corner of the Academy grounds, the bronze sculpture depicts NAS member Albert Einstein, often called the father of modern physics, seated on a bench of white granite and holding a tablet with mathematical equations that symbolize three of his most important scientific contributions.  The sculptor, Robert Berks, created more than 300 portraits of individuals in public and private life, including six U. S. presidents, among them John F. Kennedy, whose bust stands in the nearby Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  At Einstein’s feet lies a circular sky map representing the planets, sun, moon, and stars positioned as they were at noon on April 22, 1979, when the memorial was unveiled and dedicated. Listen to these audio clips to learn more about Albert Einstein and the Einstein memorial.

Einstein Memorial Audio Tour

 What is the National Academy of Sciences? 
                          Ralph Cicerone, President of the National Academy of Sciences

 Einstein and Science
                          NAS Member Michael Turner, Theoretical Cosmologist, 
                          University of Chicago

 Einstein and Creativity
                          Walter Isaacson, Author of Einstein: His Life and Universe

 The Constellation Map at the Base of the Memorial
                          NAS Member Vera Rubin, Astronomer, 
                          Carnegie Institution of Washington

 Meeting Einstein
                          Robert Berks, Sculptor of the Einstein Memorial

 The Creation of the Memorial
                          Philip Handler, former President of the National Academy of 
                          Sciences

 The Theory of Relativity
                          Nobel Laureate and NAS Member Albert Einstein (1947 recording)
                          Permission Courtesy of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
                          Recording Courtesy of Granada International

 Visual Arts and the Einstein Memorial
                          JD Talasek, Director of Cultural Programs of the NAS

 Bertram Goodhue: NAS Building Architect
                          Romy Wyllie, Author of Bertram Goodhue: His Life and 
                          Residential Architecture

 History of the NAS Building
                          Janice Goldblum, Archivist at the NAS

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