Einstein explores the life and theories of the most famous scientist
of the 20th century, Time magazine's "Person of the Century," and arguably
the most brilliant scientific mind of all time. The exhibition brings to life
Einstein's world-changing theories through engaging, high-tech interactives
while exploring Einstein's influence, not only as a scientific genius, but also
as a complex man actively engaged in the social and political issues of his
time. The enduring legacy of his fame, as well as his role as an icon of "genius"
is considered. Eye-opening exhibits allow visitors to bend the fabric of space-time,
experiment with a time clock, and more.
Highlights:
- Easy-to-understand interactive displays explaining Einstein's theories about
light, time, energy, and gravity
- Einstein's letters to his wives and lovers, bearing witness to his turbulent
personal life, and an assortment of charming and humorous letters to Einstein
from children
- Facsimile of Einstein's manuscript of his General Theory of Relativity and
his last writing pad containing his final calculations in pursuit of a unified
theory
- A video of today's most prominent physicists discussing Einstein's legacy
- A Learning Lab for hands-on workshops for classes and adults
Exhibition Sections:
Einstein's Revolution
Einstein's General Theory of Relativity forever changed our understanding of
the universe.
Life and Times
The "boy genius" and the man coping with the demands of family and society
are revealed.
Light
Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity asserted that the speed of light is
a universal constant.
Time
Einstein proposed that time is not absolutely defined, but depends on frame
of reference.
Energy
E = mc2 helps explain what fuels a variety of physical phenomena including the
Sun and the atomic bombs.
Gravity
Einstein's General Theory of Relativity overthrew Newton's notion of gravity
as an attractive force and demonstrated that it is actually a warping of space-time.
Einstein in Peace and War
Though a lifelong pacifist, Einstein wrote to warn President Roosevelt that
the Nazis were likely developing an atomic bomb.
Global Citizen
Einstein used his fame to speak out against segregation, anti-Semitism, and
McCarthyism, and to argue for human rights.
Einstein's Legacy
Physicists today continue to build on Einstein's theories and search for a unified
"theory of everything".
Einstein is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New
York; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; and the Skirball Cultural Center,
Los Angeles.