Richard Feynman’s brilliant mind and wonderfully curious personality have inspired scientists from all around the world. Not only did he win the Nobel Prize himself in 1965, but many of those who he taught, or influenced, went on to win Nobel Prizes of their own.
The final section of the exhibition shows how Feynman’s personality influenced a wide variety of people — from his fellow scientists, to everyday people, to the throat singers of a region called Tuva, near Siberia.
It illustrates how Richard Feynman’s legacy lives on in the work of generations of scientists, technologists, educators and students, who take inspiration from his willingness to follow all possible paths.
Feynman Diagrams
One of the ways that Feynman has influenced physicists is through the development of Feynman Diagrams. These diagrams act as a visual dictionary for processes that takes place in the microscopic world, helping scientists visualize complex ideas.
The influence of Feynman’s approach to physics is demonstrated in series of original Feynman Diagrams drawn by fellow Nobel Laureate, Frank Wilczek.
The diagrams depict several scientific discoveries which went on to receive Nobel Prizes in Physics over the past five decades.
Special animations, commissioned for this show, bring the Feynman Diagrams to life, vividly illustrating discoveries which have helped shape our understanding of the universe.
Quest for Tuva
Richard Feynman was unique amongst scientists in his broad range of passions. As well as being an avid musician, a keen painter, a captivating teacher, and a notorious prankster, Feynman had a curious fascination for the Soviet republic of Tuva.
During his life, Feynman researched the culture and people of Tuva ardently, and dreamt of travelling there - something that was close to impossible for an American during the Cold War. In many ways, Feynman’s attempts to visit Tuva are an allegory for his perpetual curiosity to discover new things.
It is fitting then, that Feynman’s legacy lives on in Tuva. In May 2018, the people of Tuva carved a Feynman Diagram into a rock, and marked it with a special ceremony, making Feynman an indelible part of their land. The final section of the exhibition features a rare video from the ceremony that shows shamans blessing the Feynman Diagram, while performers chant and sing, often producing two notes at once — a technique known as ‘overtone singing’ or throat singing.
The mayor of Kyzyl in Tuva also declared May 11 “Richard Feynman Day”.