The Da Vinci Machines exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the mind of the creative genius and his inventions up close in Moreton Bay.
The internationally acclaimed exhibition on loan from the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, Italy, showcases 60 of Da Vinci’s most iconic inventions which have been meticulously constructed from his original sketches 500 years ago.
He came to a deep understanding of the universe and our place in it, but connecting studies in anatomy, nature, engineering, geology and the arts.
The exhibition has been designed to spark curiosity and imagination in learners of all ages, providing a rare, hands-on experience and insight into Da Vinci’s brilliance.
Alongside da Vinci’s inventions are replicas of some of his most famous paintings, including the Mona Lisa.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said he was proud their local museums could offer such a high-calibre, world-class experience.
“Hosting this exhibition is a huge win for the City of Moreton Bay,” Mayor Flannery said.
“It will spark ideas, curiosity, and creativity across the community.”
Artisans of Florence Director of Exhibitions Tom Rizzo was at the museums last weekend to share insights into the re-creation of some of da Vinci’s ingenious machines.
“There’s a lot to surprise people in this exhibition. Leonardo was not just a great artist, but an incredible engineer, scientist, botanist, and designer,” Mr Rizzo said.
“People are often astonished by the breadth of his work and the many fields of study he innovated. Visitors often marvel at the innumerable designs that we recognise from modern life such as helicopters, hang gliders, parachutes, tanks, the bicycle and many more.”
Da Vinci Machines will be on show at:
The Bribie Island Seaside Museum where you can build your own catapult, design flying machines, and experiment with unique paper planes.
Pine Rivers Heritage Museum where you can learn how Da Vinci used codes and cryptic messages in his works. Try mirror writing and create a cipher disc inspired by Da Vinci’s cylindrical cipher invention, a mechanical device made of rotating letters keys. On Saturday August 16 from 11am – noon.
The North Lakes Library will display a replica flying machine by Da Vinci. On Saturdays from 9.30am-1pm you can also create your own gliding machine, learn how to make paddle pop planes, straw paper planes, gliders and rockets.
The Redcliffe Museum will also show some of Da Vinci’s iconic inventions.
The exhibition is free from August 9 – November 2, and bookings are not required.
For more information click here.
