Talks and shows

SELLING FAST 50 years of The Rubik's cube

Maths and magic collide in the fascinating world of Rubik's Cube.

Image credit: Andrew Jefferies

This event is in collaboration with Maths Week England.

Teacher, mathematician and professional magician Andrew Jeffrey is back to help us celebrate 50 years of the Rubik's Cube!

In 1974, Hungarian professor Erno Rubik designed something he simply referred to as 'The Magic Cube' to teach his architecture students about 3-D space. Little did Erno know that his creation would become one of the best-selling toys of all time - The Rubik's Cube.

But the Cube doesn’t just fascinate mathematicians. Magicians too have begun to realise that the cube has huge potential; a familiar object that can be handled by spectators and randomly mixed in billions of ways could capture the imagination of audiences.

Why are cubes so hard to solve? How many possible permutations are there? And how do we know? What are cube numbers? How do they link to squares? And triangles? How many moves are needed to solve a cube? Can a cube solve itself? A show full of mathematics, magic, and some unforgettable moments.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Andrew Jeffrey

Andrew Jeffrey is the founder and Director of Maths Week England, the largest national maths festival in the world. His magic of maths shows have been seen in over a dozen countries around the world including in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Andrew is the author of several books for teachers (as well as a unique book of magical maths tricks which he will be signing after the show). He lives in Brighton where he still teaches maths. Andrew briefly held the record for being the youngest person in the entire universe, and he is fluent in nearly two languages.

Timing

The doors will open at approximately 1.30pm, with a prompt start at 2.00pm.

Latecomers will be admitted into the gallery.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions