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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Public art

Albert Einstein Memorial

A monumental 12-foot bronze statue of Albert Einstein, seated with manuscript papers, tucked away in a serene grove on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences.

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What is the Albert Einstein Memorial?

It is a 12-foot monumental bronze statue created by sculptor Robert Berks, depicting Albert Einstein seated with manuscript papers in his hand.

Where is it located?

The memorial is located at 2101 Constitution Avenue NW in central Washington, D.C., situated in an elm and holly grove at the southwest corner of the National Academy of Sciences grounds near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, the memorial is free to visit.

When was the memorial unveiled?

It was unveiled on April 22, 1979, to mark the centennial of Albert Einstein's birth.

How do I find the statue once I arrive?

Because it is not always visible from the sidewalk, visitors should walk up the ramp or steps toward the National Academy of Sciences to find the statue in an elm and holly grove near the corner of 22nd and Constitution.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Albert Einstein Memorial is a monumental bronze statue created by sculptor Robert Berks. Unveiled on April 22, 1979, the artwork was commissioned to mark the centennial of Einstein's birth. The sculpture depicts the legendary scientist in a seated position, holding manuscript papers in his hand, capturing a moment of intellectual reflection. Standing 12 feet tall, the statue is situated at 2101 Constitution Avenue NW in central Washington, D.C. It is nestled within a quiet elm and holly grove located in the southwest corner of the National Academy of Sciences grounds. This secluded placement provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to contemplate the legacy of the physicist. Because the memorial is tucked away in the trees, it is not always visible from the sidewalk. To find the statue, visitors must walk up the ramp or steps toward the National Academy of Sciences near the corner of 22nd and Constitution. The site is located in close proximity to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The influence of this specific portrait extends beyond the capital. Replicas of the Robert Berks sculpture have been installed at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, cementing its status as a definitive public image of the scientist.

Visitor tips

  • Walk up the steps or ramp toward the National Academy of Sciences to find the statue, as it is hidden from the sidewalk.
  • The memorial is free to visit and open to the public.
  • If parking nearby, use the ParkMobile app or a credit card, as pay stations do not accept cash.

Nearby context

The memorial is located at the southwest corner of the National Academy of Sciences grounds, placing it within the broader National Mall and Memorial Parks area and very close to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Sources

Evidence and links