I missed this memorial the past couple times I came to DC, so on my third time I wanted to visit it. It's very large when you see it in person. Not nearly as crowded as the others. Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist from Germany. He's one of the greatest and influential scientists of all time. People from all over have probably heard of his special relativity equation E=mc2 (energy equals mass times the speed of light squared). On the statue, you'll see that he's holding a piece of paper. The paper shows his 3 most important contributions to science: photoelectric effect, theory of general relativity, and equivalence of energy and matter. When we came here, there was a couple taking 50 pictures, but if you're decent at picture taking you don't need 50 to get a couple good shots. It was located by a hot dog stand. There are benches by the statue to sit and eat. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

E = McEvoy something or other bit seriously close to the museums a nice commemorative statue to sit take a break , people watch , or enjoy your lunch. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

We came across this as we were working our way around the various memorials around the Tidal Basin/National Mall/Constitution Gardens area. It is a really neat sculpture outside of the National Academy of Sciences, which I didn't realize had exhibits either until we noticed the signage near the Einstein Memorial, so this was a very informative visit. In addition to the eye-catching giant Einstein, which was a huge draw for kids wanting to sit in his lap and climb up on the ledge to sit near him, there are several signs about Einstein and some of his work. It was very neat to check out. There are several nearby benches, as well, and we enjoyed sitting there with Einstein for a bit. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I love love love finding new gems... On a recent trip to DC - I found Einstein!!! I missed him when I was visiting the other memorials. The larger than life statue is great for pictures and so welcoming! Great fun! Parking is a pinch. I parked right in front (illegally) for a quick second - snapped my pictures and was on my way... Well worth the stop. If you are looking for this gem, it is in very close proximity to the Lincoln Memorial (and on the map / legend at the Lincoln Memorial). read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Eggheads will love this monument. It fittingly is located outside the National Academy of Sciences. The Albert Einstein Memorial is a popular one to take a picture with. A quick visit is all you need to see it. You just have to look around a bit for it the first time. Getting here is a bit of a walk like many other memorials in DC. It's pretty close to the Lincoln Memorial. This is across the street. It's kind of hidden. There's a bunch of trees around it. Look for the National Academy of Sciences, which is located west of the Museum of Natural History. The monument is of him sitting. He's reading a book. There's also information to read about him. If you want you can even sit on him and he won't say anything. Lots of people want that cool photo. This isn't something to come see just for itself but this is a good stop along the way to see other things. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This was a very cool surprise. Never had an idea this tribute to Einstein even existed. We actually stumbled upon it while touring the city read more

See all

I've been to DC quite a few times and never noticed this was here. We were walking by it and my girlfriend (a science major) wanted to take a picture. I think it's super cool the way that the memorial just sits there, it is one of the less crowded memorials in the DC area so you'll have plenty of time to get the perfect picture. Be careful though the steps and memorial are slippy, we saw someone have a pretty bad fall trying to climb up on him. Overall, a great stop along the way. Take some time to reflect on things while you're here. And use the #PhotosWithAlbert If you go inside of the Natural Academy of Sciences they also have a pamphlet that tells you about Einstein and the memorial. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a statute I have bump into while walking in the National Mall. It is located in front of National Academy of Science. We were parking our car close to the Lincoln Memorial and found this statue. It is bronze statue with circular seat surrounds it. Einstein is a great scientist discovery the theory of energy E = mc2. As engineer myself, we are still using this theory. It was nice statue in the mall to remember him who is still the gray scientist. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Me and MC2 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Absolutely one of my favorite stops in DC to just take in a huge, brilliant man next to the national mall. Parking can be difficult but parking in DC is always difficult. Overall, if you have never seen it...it should be on your list! read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A peaceful place to sit and admire this work of art. Great memorial to snag some pics. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

5/26/22 The number of times I have been here as a kid are unknown to me. How many people have sat on Albert Einstein's lap? I would say millions. However, the light colored markings of hand prints and butt prints are many. This area was one of the starting points for me as a kid. The school bus drivers stopped here too on occasions we had class trips. Some times we ended our trips at the Einstein Memorial. The Albert Einstein sculpture still remains humble/amused and how many people sit/stand by his side for a photo. I have my memories of this, but no photos of me as a kid...or an adult. Oh well. read more

Quick stop at the memorial, which is right outside the National Academy of Sciences. There are often a lot of people around and climbing Albert, but if you go early enough in the morning, there shouldn't be too much traffic! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/albert-einstein-memorial-washington?select=0ZALIrQ5GPc4hepF3doE2Q&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

PRO TIP: If you are looking to park near the National Mall, the spots in front of the Albert Einstein Memorial almost always has an opening. But right after you pay your parking meter you should definitely stop by and pay tribute to one of the greatest science minds in the world. This giant bronzed statue is nestled in an elm and holly grove on the grounds of the National Academy of Science and is low key, the best memorial in DC. Picture ops are endless here -- you can climb on his lap or sit on his shoulder. Or feel very ant-like in all of his giant bronzed glory. If you look down you will notice a map of the constellations. If you stand in the very center of the map you can shout out and your voice will be amplified right into the depth of Einsteins soul. Don't forget to tag your photos with #photoswithalbert on Instagram! read more

After touring the Vietnam Memorial, step a short distance away for something a lot less depressing. In front of the National Academy of Sciences, the Albert Einstein Memorial remembers the great scientist who brought us "Relativity" and "E equals emm cee squared." His three most famous formulas are written into the "book" in his lap. And behind him, carved into the granite, three of his most famous quotes. One is: "As long as I have any choice in the matter, I shall live only in a country where civil liberty, tolerance, and equality of all citizens before the law prevail." Unlike the Lincoln, where climbing is not permitted under any circumstances, Albert climbing is absolutely permitted. But if you do so, please monitor your kids because there are no handholds and landing on the bronze would probably be painful. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The Albert Einstein Memorial, on the grounds of the National Academy of Science, is a monumental bronze statue depicting Albert Einstein seated with manuscript papers in his hand, and it is wildly popular among school kids visiting Washington. It was created by sculptor Robert Berks (he did the famous bust of JFK that's at the Kennedy Center) and was based on a bust of Einstein the artist sculpted from life in 1953. If you're in town, this monument is a must see. read more

Growing up outside of DC, I had heard of many of the museums and memorials but I never knew of Einstein's Statue Memorial. If it weren't for a colleague, from Seattle WA no less, who commented that he hoped to at least stop by one of his favorites I would have never seen this. We walked all the way down from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. As you walk down the Lincoln Memorial steps, head toward the left side and follow the path there towards the road. You will then see it right in front of the National Academy of Science. Do watch for traffic so just use the traffic lights to cross the street. It is a very big bronze statue of Albert Einstein with papers in his hand that contained some formulas. We were able to easily recognize one of the formula but struggled with the other. If you walk to the outside of the concrete half-circular wall, you will see some of of his famous quotes. Sitting on his lap while contemplating his work, I tried my darndest to rub some of his genius off on me . . . it didn't work but I DID get to see a new statue!! read more

Never knew they had a statue of one of the brightest minds here in DC. I actually like this statue better than the rest of the monuments in DC because you can actually climb and sit on Albert's lap. read more

This is such a fun spot to visit. Of course, you should go with someone so one can hold the camera and take pics...or you need to be a good judge of people if asking some random peep to take your picture. My suggestion, look for someone with a nicer camera than yours. Why would they want to steal your piece of crap? It's a theory. Let me know if it works. As for posing, climb all over him! I assume you you can't sue the city for falling off Einstein's shoulders and breaking your head open on the pavement. Why? Because there are no signs warning you of such a foolish act. Einstein is very slippery. Who knew? Another safety tip: in the cold of DC winter, putting your tongue on Einstein is not such a good idea. Again...theory. Let me know if that works ok for you I'm not trying it. Epic fun. Sort of like a cat with a paper bag. It's hard to actually say WHY it's so cool, but it is. So deal with it. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Bottom Line: A cool lesser known memorial to one of the greatest scientists on the Northwest end of the National Mall. The Albert Einstein Memorial is a cool little place to visit on the Northwest end of the National Mall that was erected on his 100th birthday in 1979 and honors his significant contributions to science. The best way to get here is probably by foot, bike or bus. The closest Metro stop is Foggy Bottom-GWU (Orange, Blue and Silver lines) and then its about a 3/4 mile walk. The memorial is visible from the street and always open to visitors. Mr. Einstein, in all of his bronzed glory, sits outside of the National Academy of Sciences building where he has been delighting visitors for 36 years. The statue is way bigger than I imagined. He is 12 feet tall, sitting down, and visitors can crawl in his lap for a photo op or to see what he is reading. It appears he is reading equations about the photoelectric effect, the theory of general relativity and the equivalence of energy and matter - all things that I will never understand! More relatable to me at this monument than the scribed scientific equations and surrounding celestial map are some of Einstein's great quotes like, "As long as I have any choice in the matter, I shall live only in a country where civil liberty, tolerance, and equality of all citizens before the law prevail." I find this to be a lovely quote from a man who immigrated from Germany and later became a naturalized citizen of the US. Additionally, Einstein was a great proponent of civil rights and dedicated to antiracism. Not only was Albert Einstein way smarter than I can imagine, but he was a loyal citizen to the United States and helped out with World War II effort in his own ways. In the 1930s Einstein was visiting the United States when Hitler came into power. Being Jewish, Einstein decided not to return to Germany. He hopped around Europe a little bit before settling in the United States permanently. In 1940, Einstein became a citizen of the United States and as a loyal countryman who was tipped off by fellow scientists, warned FDR that Nazi Germany may be developing "powerful bombs of a new type" and he recommended that the United States do the same although he didn't necessarily agree with using nuclear weapons. Not too long thereafter the super secret Manhattan Project was initiated in Los Alamos, NM and later the controversial bombs were dropped over Japan. read more

See all

The Albert Einstein Memorial is one of those landmarks that only DC locals would stumble upon. It's not exactly in DC's guide books and it's not a memorial to make a trip to DC for, but if you're going to the Lincoln Memorial, walk a few blocks to the Einstein Memorial. It's a giant statue of Einstein sitting on stairs reading a book. Two things are cool about it: 1) You can climb into his lap for a photo opp without getting in trouble, and 2) If you stand in the center of the circle facing Einstein, your voice sounds awesome. Enjoy it! read more

Did not see this on any radar..... Bartender at hotel highly recommended the site. Across from National Mall (Vietnam Memorial end). Another kind of reflection kind of area. Place to stop to think. read more

I love this memorial, and it's probably my favorite. If you're a science nerd or just looking for something quirky, this is a fun little treat for you! If you have time, you should remember this man and look up all the things he did. He is more than just E=mc2!! read more

Amazing. 1) This is a must visit memorial. 2) He is one of my heroes. 3) The memorial is very big. 4) It is free, can't beat that. read more

Awesome, not only because you can climb onto Albert's leg and take a Santa what-i-want-for-x-mas shot, but also if you stand in the middle of the semi-circle, your voice will echo. Very eerie. Check out Albert's oversized head, and the stars and math formulas. Definitely a cool, quick memorial. Closest metro is Foggy Bottom. And the walk from the mall is a good hike, but it is purty. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This was funny to find on our walk back to our hotel from the Lincoln monument. It seams very whimsical and you get the feeling he would have liked it. Small and unassuming but a tribute none the less. Glad we ran into it. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Across the street shot. Just north of Lincoln - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A nice hidden monument in downtown DC. The echo and star maps are cool place to visit and enjoy read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Great visit to the area - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

An unassuming tribute to an unassuming genius. I remember coming here after visiting the Lincoln Memorial and thinking, 'This is it?! Einstein?' As you'll see when you come here, it is such a stark contrast to the Jefferson Memorial or the Lincoln Memorial in terms of size, that you almost wouldn't believe it for a moment. Then again, it's cute and just as important for what it is. As others have said, there are no security guards watching you and it's right by the main road so very much accessible, only a short stroll from the Mall. It is so small that when we came here, there was a probably a dozen other people, and we all had to take our turns taking photos and sitting on Einstein's lap -which we did!- I truly realised the relevance and genius of Einstein while studying physics recently, and I'm so glad we have memorials dedicated to people like him. read more

If you are visiting the National Mall, look out for this memorial. It is easily missed, even though it is a short walk from the Lincoln Memorial. So easily missed that I have visited the Lincoln more than a dozen times and never realized that this even existed. A short visit is all that is needed for this one, probably 5 minutes or so while walking back to the metro or another museum, but it is worth seeking out to pay homage. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great statue for a brilliant mind. Only thing is...why do parents let their kids climb on him. He's not a playground. Love the man! read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - He's a physicist not a jungle gym. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

How cool is it to be so close to a renowned GENIUS??! E=mc^2 So short, yet such a revelation! The equations written on the book are difficult to read or take a clear photo of, but the rest of this famous figure is HUGE. Seeing his sandals makes me think that my high school physics professor looks even more like Einstein. Uncanny resemblance! The pose and material make Einstein look old and a bit funky, but hey, it's Einstein. I guess he's meant to look a little strange. Make sure to take a photo sitting on his lap! Everyone else does it. Maybe it'll impart some knowledge. *Crossing my fingers* read more

A beautiful tribute to a genius! A few blocks away from the Lincoln Memorial, this is worth a visit. The statue depicts Einstein seated in casual repose on a three-step bench of Mount Airy (North Carolina) white granite. The bronze figure weighs approximately 4 tons and is 12 feet in height. The statue and bench are at one side of a circular dais, 28 feet (8.5 m) in diameter, made from emerald-pearl granite from Larvik, Norway. Embedded in the dais are more than 2,700 metal studs representing the location of astronomical objects, including the (sun, moon, planets, 4 asteroids, 5 galaxies, 10 quasars, and many stars) at noon on April 22, 1979, when the memorial was dedicated. The studs are different sizes to denote the apparent magnitude of the relevant object, and different studs denote binary stars, spectroscopic binaries, pulsars, globular clusters, open clusters, and quasars. Familiar constellations are marked on the map for easy identification. To a visitor standing at the center of the dais, Einstein appears to be making direct eye contact, and any spoken words are notably amplified. You can pop right up and sit on Albert's lap, which I did, as you can see :) read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Visiting Albert :) - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Best memorial in DC! Loved that we got to "sit on his lap" for a memory that I'll never forget! read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - One of my favorite memorials - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Having a mathematics degree, it only felt fitting to make sure that I made a stop to the Albert Einstein Memorial upon moving to DC. This monument does not rival some of the gems across the street, but it is still a cool one to stop at. There are also fewer people who find this memorial than the others in the city so that is a nice perk. Plenty of people opt for off-the-beaten-path photo ops, and you will see children and adults treating poor Mr. Einstein as a playground. It's really awkward to watch people sit on his lap, but there are some fun opportunities if you roll that way. read more

Near the Lincoln Monument, across the thoroughfare, behind the hedges is a really fun Einstein statue at the National Academy of Sciences. People stand in front of it and take pictures of of it too long, children climb all over it and no one gives anyone else a chance to get a picture in front of it. Only across the street from the National Mall is this surprising statue. read more

The Albert Einstein Memorial - Fun larger than life statue - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

What is real? Who are we? E=mc2. Theory of general relativity. A magnetic pull sends you in my direction Now ponder your life, pause for reflection Come sit on my knee, come sing me a song Unload your burdens, I judge not right or wrong Through wormholes, cosmos, physics and light A molecular fusion, a wondrous sight Our energies collide under moon or sun We are already connected; you, me, everyone -DKV "imagination is more important than knowledge." - Einstein read more

I love this statue. We always stop by it when we are in the area. It remains popular, no matter what time you stop by. Fortunately, you will have just a handful of people instead of a large crowd. It is worth a visit. read more

This is one of the notable non-political memorials in the area and one of the least touristy monuments in DC. Located on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences, it's just across the street from the much more well known Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Our hero didn't even have to jostle with other tourists to take a picture here, which is a huge plus! This monument to our hero's scientific hero is lifelike, but somewhat playful at the same time. Einstein is seen in a relaxed pose in his later years, just chilling out on the steps with some papers in his hand. Equations on the scripts in this figure's hand refer to the theory of general relativity, the photoelectric effect, and mass-energy equivalence (also known as his famous E=mc^2 equation). It's not heavily guarded or anything either, so you can take a picture sitting in his lap or whatever pose you can imagine if you'd like. Overall, this is a great tribute to the #1 physicist of all time. I can't imagine a Stephen Hawking memorial looking quite as cool. PROS: - It's got an astronomically correct diagram of over 2,700 heavenly bodies as seen from Earth at the time of the dedication of the monument inlaid into the dias. - Very cool overall design, incorporating a lot of Einstein's scientific equations and personal quotes into it. - Aptly located at the National Academy of Sciences. - Shaded from the sun and heat, with lots of seating to hang around at. - Easy to take photos of. CONS: - It's on the small side compared to other monuments and not quite as impressive in photographs. Pictures don't do it justice. read more

Settled in front the National Academy of Sciences that was founded by Abe Lincoln in 1864, sits the famous Albert Einstein Memorial. It would only make sense that Mr. Einstein would have a memorial in this appropriate location. The statue constantly has people climbing on him to grab a photo op. His nose is actually discolored from the rest of the memorial because they believe that if you rub his nose -- it will make you smarter. It still hasn't brought me any luck for the two times that I have been over there. Maybe 3rd time is a charm? Mr. Einstein is also not wearing any shoes in his memorial. Fact is he knew what E=mc2, but he didn't know how to tie bunny ears aka his shoes. It seems very fitting for such a brilliant man. read more

So this is a cool little memorial that if you aren't intentionally looking for it you've probably passed it without realizing. Its right in front of the National Academies building facing Constitution Ave. across from the mall. The memorial is never crowded and there are some good selfie taking opportunities here as I witnessed. read more

Go North from the Vietnam memorial, cross the street on Independence ave, and there on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences, you will find the immortal Einstein, resting from the bustle of the Mall and reviewing some gigantic manuscripts. Come sit on his lap--Einstein doesn't mind. Feel the bronze craftsmanship, the folds of polished bronze. "Ev=Hv-a," it says on his manuscripts. If you look closer, you will recognize several other science formulas that no one really understands (except for Einstein, of course). When you're tired of Einstein's lap, take a few steps back and stand on the dais (the circular stone floor encrusted with fake stars). They say that if you talk to him, Einstein will echo something special back at you. One of my personal favs in DC, and a nice place to escape the crowd. Science lovers welcome. read more