Einstein's Sink, Leiden

Einstein's Sink is a historic and symbolic artifact associated with the physics faculty of Leiden University. This unassuming yet storied sink has been in continuous use since 1920, serving as a silent witness to the evolution of modern physics. Its origins trace back to the large lecture room of the old Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, a hub for groundbreaking scientific discoveries and discussions.

Throughout its history, Einstein's Sink has been used by some of the most celebrated physicists of the 20th century. It has seen the hands of luminaries such as Paul Ehrenfest, Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, Hendrik Antoon Lorentz, and Albert Einstein himself. In more recent times, it has continued this tradition, accommodating Nobel laureates like Brian Schmidt and Albert Fert. Over the decades, the sink has evolved into a symbol of continuity, connecting generations of physicists who have shaped our understanding of the universe.

In 1977, the sink was relocated to the De Sitterzaal in the J.H. Oort building when the physics department moved to the Leiden Bioscience Park. By 2015, plans for a new science campus raised concerns about its future, as the faculty board had no intention of moving it. A petition with 197 signatures quickly gained attention, prompting the faculty to preserve the sink and integrate it into the new facilities.

The sink's relocation to the De Sitter lecture room in the new Oort building was completed in 2024. By continuing to serve as a functional and ceremonial fixture, Einstein's Sink maintains its role as a symbol of the university's rich scientific legacy. It stands as a reminder of the luminaries who once shared its space and the enduring quest for knowledge that defines Leiden University's physics faculty.