Nobel Prize Day is December 10, the day each year when the Nobel Prizes are formally presented in Stockholm, Sweden, and Oslo, Norway. The date marks the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor whose will created the prizes. Laureates in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, economic sciences and peace receive medals and diplomas in grand ceremonies watched around the world.
History of Nobel Prize Day
Alfred Nobel was born in Stockholm in 1833. A chemist, engineer and businessman, he held more than 350 patents and became wealthy after inventing dynamite in 1867. According to a popular story, a French newspaper mistakenly published his obituary in 1888, calling him a 'merchant of death', which may have prompted him to think about his legacy.
In his will, signed in 1895, Nobel left most of his fortune to establish prizes for those who 'conferred the greatest benefit to humankind' in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. He died on December 10, 1896, and the first prizes were awarded in 1901.
The Peace Prize is presented in Oslo, as Nobel requested, while the other prizes are presented in Stockholm. In 1968, Sweden's central bank established the Prize in Economic Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel. Famous laureates include Marie Curie, the first person to win two Nobel Prizes, Martin Luther King Jr., Albert Einstein and Malala Yousafzai.
Why Nobel Prize Day Matters
The Nobel Prizes celebrate discoveries and achievements that have changed the world, from vaccines and physics breakthroughs to literature and peacemaking.
Learning about laureates can inspire students to pursue science, writing and public service.
The prizes also spark discussion and debate about what counts as the greatest benefit to humanity, and about who has been recognized, or overlooked, over the years.
How to Celebrate Nobel Prize Day
- Watch the ceremonies: stream the Stockholm and Oslo events online.
- Read a laureate's work: try a book by a Nobel Prize-winning author.
- Learn about a discovery: explore a recent prize-winning breakthrough.
- Research Alfred Nobel: read about his inventions and will.
- Discuss: talk about who you think should win next.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share stories of laureates connected to your field, from medicine to economics. In classrooms, students can research a laureate, create a timeline of Nobel discoveries, or debate which modern achievements deserve a prize. At home, families can watch clips of the ceremonies, read a picture-book biography of Marie Curie or Martin Luther King Jr., or talk about what kinds of work help humanity. Curious kids may enjoy learning about the science behind recent prizes.
Fun Facts About Nobel Prize Day
- Alfred Nobel invented dynamite in 1867.
- The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901.
- Marie Curie was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes.
Nobel Prize Day FAQs
When is Nobel Prize Day?
Nobel Prize Day is December 10, when the prizes are presented each year.
Why are Nobel Prizes awarded on December 10?
December 10 is the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death in 1896.
Where are the Nobel Prizes awarded?
The Peace Prize is presented in Oslo, Norway; the others are presented in Stockholm, Sweden.
What are the Nobel Prize categories?
Physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace and economic sciences.
Who was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes?
Marie Curie, who won in physics (1903) and chemistry (1911).
When were the first Nobel Prizes awarded?
The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901.