Einstein sculpture is pure genius

By Zou Qi  |   2008-6-5  |     ONLINE EDITION

A STATUE of Albert Einstein was unveiled at Shanghai Sculpture Space today to commemorate the scientist's special relationship with the city.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder attended the ceremony.

The 2.8-meter-tall and 2-ton bronze statue features Einstein's head, which seems to be staring at the public while asking: "Are you ready for the future?"

Visitors can touch its nose and beard, as well as take photos of the sculpture.

According to the government, Einstein visited Shanghai twice. On his first trip he learned that he had won the Nobel Prize for physics.

Einstein and his wife arrived in Shanghai by ship on November 13, 1922. Upon arrival he was told that he had won the Novel Prize. The next day they headed to Japan on the same ship.

On December 31, Einstein returned to Shanghai. He presented his Theory of Relativity on Fuzhou Road the next day.

Officials said today that the statue of Einstein aims to mark his achievements in introducing modern physics theory to China.

Sculptor Tang Shichu took two years to make the statue.