Albert Einstein was not into birthdays. The legendary theoretical physicist, born in Germany on March 14, 1879, resisted being the center of attention, telling LIFE he believed that “birthdays are for children.” But on his 74th birthday, in 1953, he made an exception.
When Yeshiva University of New York requested to build a medical school in his name, he agreed—despite feeling the same way about such honors as he did about birthdays—and attended a fundraising luncheon in his honor.
“For the occasion,” LIFE reported, “Einstein shed his characteristic baggy sweater and slacks, put on a gray suit. But he found it less easy to shed a lifetime of shyness.” He failed to notice the triple-tier birthday cake presented to him by Cake Bakers Union Local 51. He eyed a slab of roast beef and objected, “This is for lions.”
When all was said and done, the luncheon had raised $3.5 million for what is now the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “I am glad it is over,” was all the honoree had to say about it. He died two years later, on April 18, 1955.
Here, in recognition of what would have been Einstein’s 137th birthday, is a collection of LIFE photographers’ greatest images of the extraordinary thinker.
Liz Ronk, who edited this gallery, is the Photo Editor for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk.
A seated portrait of Albert Einstein, Princeton, NJ, on his birthday, March 14, 1953. Esther Bubley—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesAlbert Einstein with Mrs. Valentine Bargmann outside his home in Princeton, NJ, March 14, 1953.Esther Bubley—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesAlbert Einstein in his home with Valentine Bargmann, Princeton, NJ, March 14, 1953. Esther Bubley—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Blind terrier Chico, 14, is petted by secretary and stepdaughter, Margot, who make up Einstein's household.Esther Bubley—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesFamed scientist Albert Einstein in his study at home, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. With Albert Einstein, Cord Meyer Jr. (president of United World Federalists, Inc.) discusses Russia's attitude toward world government. Einstein thinks Russians would first oppose world government then "once they see they cannot stop it . . . they will collaborate."Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesPortrait of Albert Einstein, 1947.Al Fenn—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Albert Einstein, the [Institute for Advanced Study's] most famous member, gives his first lecture in its only classroom.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Einstein tells Robert Oppenheimer about his newest attempts to explain matter in terms of space.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlbert Einstein in discussion with Robert Oppenheimer in an office of the Institute for Advanced Study, 1947.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlbert Einstein sits alone at the Institute for Advanced Study, 1947.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlbert Einstein plays his beloved violin, 1941.Hansel Mieth—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesAlbert Einstein's violin recital, 1941.Hansel Mieth—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
