Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum

His most famous work is perhaps the Mona Lisa, but Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) was much more than just a talented artist.

His visionary work as an engineer, philosopher, scientist, and architect was also revolutionary. If you’re interested in the mechanical devices devised by this universal genius, the Leonardo Interactive Museum in the center of Florence is the place to visit.

The machines designed by Leonardo were skillfully crafted by Italian artisans specifically for the museum. They include a mechanical drum and an ornithopter, one of the first flying machines. The museum’s concept specifically aims to allow researchers of all ages to get involved and learn, through hands-on interaction, just how relevant Da Vinci’s ideas remain today.

Learning and Working

Each device is accompanied by the corresponding drawing taken from Da Vinci’s notebooks, known as the Codices. Multilingual explanations provide basic information. There is also an educational workshop included in the admission price, where visitors can build models of important inventions themselves. Those who wish can also admire reproductions of Da Vinci’s paintings or explore his anatomical works.