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Israel to create $18 million Albert Einstein museum in Jerusalem
Einstein's entire archive will be digitally accessible including original manuscripts
October 24, 2022 14:57
Einstein's entire archive will be digitally accessible including original manuscripts
October 24, 2022 14:57The Israeli government on Sunday allocated $18 million to build a museum in Jerusalem that will display world-renowned physicist Albert Einstein’s entire archive of work.
The Albert Einstein Museum will be built on the grounds of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Safra Campus, with visitors having digital access to all of the theoretical physicist’s written works and scribblings, including the original note where he wrote his world-famous theory of relativity
The museum will also include a reconstruction of Einstein’s office and library, with some original documents in view.
The Hebrew University said the museum will “present Einstein’s contributions to science, the impact of his discoveries on our lives today, his public activity and involvement in key historical moments during his lifetime.”
The museum will also serve to demonstrate Einstein’s deep connection with the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Einstein, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest and most influential physicists of all time, was one of the founders of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an early supporter of the Zionist movement. In 1923, he visited Jerusalem to deliver the university’s inaugural scientific lecture and edited its first collection of scientific papers.
Hebrew University President Asher Cohen said, “Einstein was one of the most prominent supporters of the State of Israel,
“His legacy of excellence in academic research forms the very foundation of our university, whereas his scientific achievements, which changed the world of physics, continue to impact all of our lives, from lasers and nuclear energy to GPS and space travel.”
Already world renowned for his achievements, Einstein and his family fled Germany to the United States in 1933 following the rise to power of the Nazi party. In 1952, Einstein was offered the presidency of Israel and, though he was deeply moved, refused on the grounds that he lacked “both the natural aptitude and the experience to deal properly with people and to exercise official functions.”
Upon his death, the Nobel prize winner bequeathed his entire writings and works to the Hebrew University, with tens of thousands of his works currently archived at the university’s Givat Ram campus.
Alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Saturday: “Albert Einstein is an asset, the biggest brand name in the world for intelligence, science, and genius.
“Around the world, in China, India, the US and everywhere, Albert Einstein is synonymous with genius.”
Alternate Prime Minister Bennett hoped the museum “will serve as a pilgrimage site for anyone who wants to become familiar with Einstein, Jewish intelligence, and intelligence in general."