Einstein (Exhibition)

Exist Dates

2002 November 15 - 2003 July 27

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract

Exhibition. Opened in November 15, 2002 and closed July 27, 2003. Located in Section 20, Floor 4 in Gallery 4 at the American Museum of Natural History. "Einstein" was an exhibition focusing on the life and theories of the great scientist, Albert Einstein.

Summary

"Einstein" was an exhibition focusing on the life and theories of the great scientist, Albert Einstein. On view were original manuscripts and personal treasures along with interactive exhibits that animated Albert Einstein's most revolutionary theories. The exhibition featured the original pages from the 1916 manuscript of the General Theory of Relativity as well as several original handwritten pages from a 1912 manuscript of Einstein's theory of Special Relativity. Personal items on display included a report card from his Swiss high school, a tea set, pipes and his magnetic compass. The exhibit also revealed his passion for social justice and his engagement with the political issues of his era. The artistic focal point of the exhibition was a bronze statue of Einstein made by the sculptor Robert Berks. Videotaped interviews with some of the day's leading physicists, including S. James Gates, Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology; Alan Lightman, Adjunct Professor of Humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Vera Cooper Rubin, Senior Researcher at Carnegie Institute's Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, revealed the lasting impact of Einstein as a role model for scientists around the world. The exhibition was organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; and the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The curator for the exhibition was Michael M. Shara, Curator and Curator-in-Charge of Astrophysics in the Museum's Division of Physical Sciences. The Associate Curator was Ze'ev Rosenkranz, the Bern Dibner Curator in the Albert Einstein Archives at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Jewish National and University Library. Saul Teukolsky, Professor of Physics at Cornell University, was the consulting scientist for the exhibit. Made possible through the support of Jack and Susan Rudin and the Skirball Foundation, the exhibition was on view in Gallery 4 of the American Museum of Natural History from November 15, 2002 through July 27, 2003. The exhibit then traveled internationally. The Corporate Tour Sponsor was TIAA-CREF.

Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles; Michael M. Shara; Ze'ev Rosenkranz; Saul Teukolosky; Robert Berks; S James Gates; Kip Thorne; Alan Lightman; Vera Cooper Rubin.

Sources

American Museum of Natural History Press Release, November 2002. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

American Museum of Natural History Press Release: Advance Schedule of Exhibitions and Programs, June 2003. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

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Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

American Museum of Natural History. LeFrak Family Gallery.
Location of exhibition.

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