Swedish industrialist Nobel’s will establishing prestigious prizes displayed for first time

COPENHAGEN – Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel’s last will, which laid the foundation for the prestigious prizes bearing his name, has been put on public display for the first time.

The handwritten document from 1895 is shown at the Nobel Museum in Stockholm as part of the “Legacy” exhibition that opened Friday.

Nobel wrote that part of his fortune should be used to endow prizes in physics, chemistry, literature and peace to people who “have conferred the greatest benefit to mankind.” The Swede, who invented dynamite, gave only vague instructions on how to select winners.

In 1968, Sweden’s central bank added the economics award that carries the same prize money — 8 million kronor ($930,000). All prizes are always handed out on Dec. 10, the date that Nobel died in 1896.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.
The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.