Israel to Open $18M Albert Einstein Museum at Hebrew University

By: Ariel Grossman

Israel is to open a museum dedicated to Albert Einstein.

The government has approved the establishment of the Albert Einstein Museum, in Jerusalem, at the cost of $18 million USD (NIS 64 million).

The museum, at the Safra Campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, will present Einstein’s contributions to science, the impact of his discoveries on our lives today, his public activity, and his involvement in key historical moments during his lifetime.

It will also highlight his deep connection with the destiny of the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, of which he was a founder.

Visitors will be able to tour a reconstruction of Einstein’s library and office, and to view several of his original papers. The project directors expect the Albert Einstein Museum to become a major tourist attraction in Israel.

The archives will be accessible to the general public in digital format and the museum will also serve as an innovative space for scientific and technological education.

This initiative was made possible through funding by Israel’s Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage, headed by MK Ze’ev Elkin, as well as the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, the Ministry of Finance, and the Prime Minister’s Office. The government will provide NIS 22.5 million and the University NIS 41.5 million.

“Today, as the new academic year opens, we are passing an important resolution for strengthening academia in Israel, the capital of Israel, and the Hebrew University,” said MK Ze’ev Elkin, Minister of Construction and Housing, and of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage.

“The establishment of the Albert Einstein Museum and the provision of a permanent home for the full Einstein archives will bolster the standing of Israeli academia in general, and of the Hebrew University in particular, in the international arena; will reinforce the international status of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; and will bring tens of thousands of tourists to this unique site.”

Professor Asher Cohen, president of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said: “Albert Einstein was one of the most prominent supporters of the State of Israel and one of the founding fathers of Hebrew University.

“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.

“These developments, and many more, can be traced to Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.”

The German-born scientist helped found the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was a non-resident governor of the institution.

In 1952, he was even offered to succeed Chaim Weizmann as president of the State of Israel, a position he refused.

(NoCamels.com)