Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion showcases the brilliance of a true Renaissance genius. This exhibit features full-scale machines built from Leonardo’s original drawings, including a robot, armored vehicle, submarine, parachute, and glider.

Leonardo da Vinci, the same mind behind the Mona Lisa and the Vitruvian Man, observed the world through nature, anatomy, water, flight, and mechanical power. He recorded his ideas in thousands of sketches and notes in the Codices, including the Codex Atlanticus. His images came first, followed by words, giving insight into his inventive process.

Evergreen Exhibitions partnered with Worldwide Museum Activities of Florence, Italy to bring this exhibition to the U.S. in 2008. Today, it includes 40 interactive, life-sized machines from the Codex Atlanticus and Madrid Codices. Visitors can touch them, set them in motion, and explore Leonardo’s mechanical ideas firsthand.

The exhibit features four sections: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. Each category reflects the natural element that powers the machine. As you move through the gallery, you will spot early versions of modern tools and technology.

  Beginning January 1, experience Dream to Fly in the Saunders Planetarium daily at 1:00 PM, a visually stunning show that explores the history of aeronautics from Leonardo da Vinci onward through beautiful animation.

Ultimately, Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion invites you to explore the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers. Discover his ideas. Experience his creativity. And feel the impact of his genius.