Albert Einstein Memorial
The Basics
Both a tribute to one of science’s greatest thinkers and a popular location for playful photo shoots, the Albert Einstein Memorial is located just off the National Mall and in the vicinity of many of DC’s most significant monuments. Featuring a large bronze statue sculpted in an impressionist manner seated on a white granite bench, the landmark is designed to encourage contemplation, and makes an appealing place to sit and take in the DC scenery.
The Albert Einstein Memorial features on numerous sightseeing tours, from monument-themed excursions and history tours along the National Mall to up-close walking tours and private driving tours. It’s also possible to discover the landmark independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Look closely: three of Einstein’s most groundbreaking equations, including E = MC2, are written on the pages held in the statue’s hand.
- The statue is based on a bust that Robert Berks sculpted from life during a session with Einstein in 1953; according to legend, rubbing his nose will earn you extra IQ points.
- To discover another famous Robert Berks sculpture, head to the nearby Kennedy Center, where his bust of JFK can be seen.
- The memorial’s base also features an elaborate star map that depicts thousands of celestial objects.
How to Get There
The memorial is located just off the National Mall, on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences. The nearest Metro station to the landmark is Foggy Bottom - GWU, which is served by the Silver and Orange Lines. The monument can also be reached by bus, by taxi, by bike, and on foot.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Albert Einstein Memorial is always accessible: by day it’s popular among sightseers and selfie-takers, and by night it’s illuminated. Visit during a sunny day in order to spot the quotations on the back of the bench and capture images of other nearby monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial.
Nearby Memorials
The Albert Einstein Memorial is located just moments from many of Washington DC’s other famed commemorative landmarks. Combine your visit with a trip to the world-famous Lincoln Memorial—just steps away—as well as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial; the Korean War Veterans Memorial; the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial; the Jefferson Memorial; and more. Pay tribute to these famous figures in history before strolling down the National Mall.
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