Bern's Einstein Haus Museum
Tour Physicist's Renovated Swiss Apartment
Most of the world is familiar with the equation, E=mc², dictating the equivalency of mass and energy in Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, but how many people are aware of his strong pacifist beliefs or that his first wife, Mileva Maric, had equally as high if not better school marks than Albert, himself?
Albert Einstein Haus is Interesting for Everyone
Even for those who don't have a strong interest in physics, Einstein's apartment tour engages any indifferent visitor in some way. This historical figure's family portraits, controversial marriage, devotion to musical instruments, and extremely inquisitive nature showcase a more personal side to the man behind the science.
Reaching Bern's Einstein Haus Museum
First steps into Bern's city limits, whether it be from the train station or highway, reveal a quaint capital city seemingly surrounded by nature. Walking Kramgrasse past the colorful Zytglogge - Clock Tower - visitors can easily reach the Einstein Haus Museum on foot. In fact, just about anything can be reached on foot in Bern. If not, trams number 12 and 30 stop nearby on Kramgrasse.
Although it's easy to get to, the Einstein Haus museum is easy to miss. Located under the arched tunnels that line the street, a nondescript door leads the visitor up several stairs to Einstein's old apartment, inhabited by him for only two years (1903-05), but where he developed his Special Theory of Relativity and where he reported feeling happiest in life.
Inside the Albert Einstein Haus Museum
Once inside the museum, the visitor is welcomed into the early 1900's by rooms fitted with chairs, tables, and clothes worn at the time. The second floor apartment is designed to imitate the orginal place where Einstein's ideas were developed. Old family photos line the wall and handwritten copies of his school marks stand side by side with those of Mileva's.
Visitors can spend a good hour on the third floor reading about Einstein's life and accomplishments in physics. It's clear from reading the various plaques that his theories were born from a curiosity about the simple desire to understand the way things work even from a young age.
When tired from reading, visitors can watch a video dedicated to Einstein's life. The video appears in several languages, therefore it's necessary to push a button upon entering that selects the appropriate language.
Bern's Einstein Haus Opening Hours and Prices
- From October 1 to December 23, 2009, the museum is open M-F from 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm. It's closed on Sundays.
- It's important to note that the Einstein Haus is completely closed from December 20, 2009 to January 31, 2010 except for guided tours by appointment.
- Regular hours resume in February 2010.
A standard fare ticket costs 6 CHF/ 4 EUR/ 6 USD.
Einstein's life and tireless scientific efforts reveal a true passion, all evident inside the walls of his Bern apartment. A trip to the Einstein Haus will undoubtedly provide visitors with a more profound understanding of the man that gave the world E=mc².
Einstein Haus, Bern
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