Drawing by Austin Romanaux
When he was five years old, Albert’s father gave him a compass, sparking the boy’s curiosity in invisible forces, which he kept for the rest of his life. Visitors learned more about his interest and about the wonders of magnetism at a free exhibit funded by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation, “Einstein’s Attraction to Magnetism.” Dr. Einstein’s childhood compass is held in the collections of the Historical Society of Princeton.
On view June – November 2024 in Dohm Alley, at 102 Nassau Street in Princeton, the free exhibit explored what magnetism is, how physicists use it, and included an Einstein selfie for fun photos. Guests could play with magnetism at the Ferrofluid Playground. On select days, kids could meet scientists and educators to learn more about the wonders of magnetism with hands-on experiments, free take-home activity sheets, and compasses to continue exploring on their own.
Activities at Home
Questions? Contact us
Exhibit Credits
- Dr. Deborah Berebichez, science content
- Dr Frances Kraus, Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, science content
- Dr. Jonn McCollum, designer
- Austin Romanaux, artist
- Elizabeth Romanaux, museum founder
Tour Schedule
2024
Dohm Alley
Next to 102 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ
