J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man instrumental in developing the atomic bomb, and all others connected to him are the subject of Christopher Nolan‘s first biopic, Oppenheimer. Robert Oppenheimer’s brother, Frank Oppenheimer, is played by Dylan Arnold in the film.
Who was Frank Oppenheimer?
Frank Oppenheimer was the elder brother of J Robert Oppenheimer, a prominent physicist and one of the key figures in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project.
Frank Oppenheimer was also an American physicist and educator. He was born on August 14, 1912, and he passed away on February 3, 1985. He is most known for building the Exploratorium, a prominent science museum in San Francisco, California, as well as for his contributions to the field of science education.
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Frank conducted explosives-related research and taught at the University of Minnesota during World War II. He came under fire after the war because of his brother’s role in the atomic bomb.
Additionally, during the McCarthy era, Frank Oppenheimer was accused of being a communist sympathizer, along with many other people connected to the Manhattan Project. He later had these charges dropped, although it took him some time to find employment after that.
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In 1969, Frank established the Exploratorium with the goal of creating a place where visitors of all ages could engage with and understand science exhibits in a hands-on, immersive fashion. The Exploratorium is credited with being a “learning by doing” pioneer and for influencing a large number of other interactive science museums all over the world.
Oppenheimer advocated for making science approachable and interesting for everyone throughout his career, regardless of age or background. The Exploratorium, one of the most well-liked science museums in the world, continues to be successful and has an impact, carrying on his legacy.
