Da Vinci Machines at WA Maritime Museum

News | Created 15 Dec 2015

Experience Leonardo da Vinci’s genius first-hand when Da Vinci Machines opens at the Western Australian Maritime Museum on Saturday 19 December.

This exciting exhibition features 60 of his visionary inventions in the areas of flying machines, nautical innovations and machines of war, alongside 15 beautifully crafted replicas of famous da Vinci artworks.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said the exhibition is an extraordinary and captivating experience.  

“It explores the breadth of Leonardo da Vinci’s remarkable talent in a hands-on, interactive way,” Mr Coles said.

“There are large wooden working models derived from da Vinci’s designs which people can pull, twist, turn, and touch!”

The exhibition places da Vinci’s Codices or concept drawings alongside real models of his machines, created by modern day artisans who, true to da Vinci’s ideas, used only materials of da Vinci’s day in construction.

Some of the objects include a revolutionary underwater breathing apparatus; a concept for a helicopter made of reeds, linen, and iron thread; and plans for an armoured vehicle made from wood – potentially the world’s first military tank.

“It is incredible how the working models bring da Vinci’s drawings and ideas from the 15th Century to life,” Mr Coles said.

“You start to realise how much contemporary technology owes its origin to his ideas and vision.”

Da Vinci Machines will feature at the WA Maritime Museum from 19 December 2015 to 28 February 2016.

The exhibition is presented by Niccolai – Teknoart SNC and the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci, Florence.

 

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Media contact
Flora Perrella
Media and Communications Coordinator
Western Australian Museum
6552 7804
flora.perrella@museum.wa.gov.au