DC’s Phavorite Physicist

Albert Einstein, everyone’s favorite physicist contemplates the universe from his perch on the lawn of the National Academy of Science on Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC.

Einstein’s best known for developing the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics and numerous other things that I don’t understand. And this memorial calls out the significant contributions he made in understanding our world.

You can read his famous formulas; they’re written on the pages he’s holding. And if you look down on the floor you see this wonderful display of planets and galaxies mapped out by the folks at the US Naval Observatory. If you stand right in the middle of the map it seems as if Dr. Einstein is staring right at you, and you can imagine what it would be like if he called on you in class.

Einstein comes to America as a refugee fleeing Nazi Germany. The Nobel prize winner thus becomes one untold number of refugees making America stronger by their presence. He takes a position at Princeton University where he works until his death in 1955.

Now those of you who saw our episode about Mary McLoud Bethune will recognize the distinctive style of the sculptor, Robert Berks. Berks based the statue on a bust he did of Einstein in the 50s.

Einstein’s right across the street from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial so I always bring folks on my tours over to visit the good professor.

And the coolest thing about Einstein: It’s the only statue in Washington that you’re allowed to climb on!

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
2 to 6

Above It All - Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece. Perched on a hill overlooking the city it is the second largest cathedral in the country and the 6th largest in the world. It is a living work of art filled with stained-glass, hand-carved wood, and wrought iron. While a modern structure (finished in 1990) it is constructed in the old-world way and has no structural steel.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Hidden on Capitol Hill

Few people think beyond the Capitol when they think of the Hill. This tour takes you to the heart of a neighborhood with a fascinating history that still speaks to us today. Learn about these famous locations from a former Capitol Hill resident.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Embassy Row: Divinity & Diplomats

Most Embassy Row tours don’t venture far beyond Dupont Circle. But ours does. We see it all from top to bottom. This stretch of Massachusetts Avenue used to be called Millionaires Row where Gilded Age robber-barons built grand mansions. Today those mansions house most of Washington’s embassies, along with private clubs and statues of world heroes such as Mandela, Gandhi, and Churchill – and we will be right in the heart of it.