Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Before Ayn Rand became a bestselling novelist and the originator of Objectivism, she was a young immigrant determined to reach a free country where she could build the life she envisioned.
In 1926 in Berlin—just moments after receiving legal authorization to enter the United States—Rand later recalled feeling like she was “walking on air… literally not touching the ground.” It was an emotional turning point in her escape from Soviet Russia.
During this special birthday event, Brandon Lisi and Agustina Vergara Cid explore:
The pivotal moment Ayn Rand learned she could finally enter America
Her birthday in Berlin, including the movie-star photographs she purchased and treasured
How her immigrant journey shaped her ideas, her art, and her fight for individual freedom
Rare archival materials from ARI’s collections
Join us on February 2, 2 p.m. EST, celebrate her courage, her story, and the ideals that led her to become one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.
Image credits:
Ayn Rand Archival images courtesy of Leonard Peikoff
Sovfoto via Getty Images
Bettmann via Getty Images
Sepia Times via Getty Images
Interim Archives via Getty Images
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
******
Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: aynrand.org/signup
Follow ARI on Twitter: twitter.com/AynRandInst
Follow ARI on Facebook: facebook.com/AynRandInstitute
Follow ARI on Instagram: instagram.com/aynrandorg
Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
Before Ayn Rand became a bestselling novelist and the originator of Objectivism, she was a young immigrant determined to reach a free country where she could build the life she envisioned.
In 1926 in Berlin—just moments after receiving legal authorization to enter the United States—Rand later recalled feeling like she was “walking on air… literally not touching the ground.” It was an emotional turning point in her escape from Soviet Russia.
During this special birthday event, Brandon Lisi and Agustina Vergara Cid explore:
The pivotal moment Ayn Rand learned she could finally enter America
Her birthday in Berlin, including the movie-star photographs she purchased and treasured
How her immigrant journey shaped her ideas, her art, and her fight for individual freedom
Rare archival materials from ARI’s collections
Join us on February 2, 2 p.m. EST, celebrate her courage, her story, and the ideals that led her to become one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.
Image credits:
Ayn Rand Archival images courtesy of Leonard Peikoff
Sovfoto via Getty Images
Bettmann via Getty Images
Sepia Times via Getty Images
Interim Archives via Getty Images
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
******
Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: aynrand.org/signup
Follow ARI on Twitter: twitter.com/AynRandInst
Follow ARI on Facebook: facebook.com/AynRandInstitute
Follow ARI on Instagram: instagram.com/aynrandorg
Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
