Here stands the Nobel Monument. It is an obelisk honoring U.S. Nobel laureates. The monument is located in Theodore Roosevelt Park. It sits just northwest of the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan.
The Nobel Monument is the only one in a New York City park. It bears the names of living people. The monument was dedicated in 2003. It was a gift to the people of New York City. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister Margareta Winberg unveiled it.
Bloomberg said New York City is a fitting home for the Nobel Monument. It recognizes the efforts Americans have made. These efforts have created a more peaceful, safe, and healthy world. He was proud that many Nobel Prize winners graduated from New York City’s public schools.
The Consulate General of Sweden and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation initiated the project. Swedish sculptor Sivert Lindblom designed the monument. It presents a long list of American Laureates. The monument also leaves space for future honorees.
Alfred Nobel was born in Stockholm, Sweden. He invented dynamite. His fortune was used to institute the Nobel Prizes. The United States has had many Nobel Prize recipients. Theodore Roosevelt was the first American to win a Peace Nobel Prize. He negotiated an end to the Russo-Japanese War.
Originally, the monument was planned for the east side of the museum. It was to be in front of the New York State Memorial to Theodore Roosevelt. However, opposition caused it to be relocated.
The west side of the Nobel Monument lists Nobel laureates up to 1979. The south side continues the list through 2010. The east side lists the laureates starting in 2011.
The monument lists only laureates who were U.S. citizens when they won. This includes naturalized immigrants. Author Isaac Bashevis Singer and chemist Roald Hoffman are examples. T. S. Eliot is not included. He was a British subject when he won. Albert Einstein is also not listed. He became a U.S. citizen after winning.
The American Friends Service Committee is named on the monument. It is a Quaker organization. They won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947. Only groups as well as individuals can win this prize.
Every year, new names are inscribed on the Nobel Monument. An annual ceremony unveils the names of American Nobel Laureates from the previous year.
In 2023, new Laureates’ names were unveiled. These included Dr. Moungi Bawendi and Dr. Louis Brus. They were Nobel Prize winners for Chemistry. Dr. Bawendi spoke to students about hard work and curiosity.
NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said she was honored. She unveiled the inscriptions into the Nobel Monument. She hopes the monument inspires young New Yorkers. It should remind everyone of curiosity and determination.
Swedish Consul General Erik Ullenhag noted the strong Sweden-USA relationship. He highlighted scientific cooperation. American Nobel laureates keep Nobel’s spirit alive.
Dr. Moungi Bawendi said it was an honor. His name is inscribed with giants of science. He hopes the monument inspires young people to ask questions. They should follow their curiosity.
Some of the 2023 American Nobel Laureates added were Dr. Katalin Karikó and Dr. Drew Weissman. They won for Physiology/Medicine. Also added were Dr. Claudia Goldin and Dr. Alexei I. Yekimov.
No other country has been home to as many Nobel Prize recipients as the United States. The Nobel Monument stands as a testament to American achievement. It is a symbol of the pursuit of knowledge. The monument honors those who strive for a more peaceful and advanced world.