By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
EXPOSITION PARK — Leonardo da Vinci is best known for his vivid and expressive artwork, which includes “Mona Lisa,” and “The Last Supper.”
But there was much more to da Vinci whose talents were far-reaching. He was not only an artist, he was an inventor, engineer, painter, architect and student of all things scientific.
His story, his impact on the art world, and across numerous vocations is told in “Leonardo da Vinci: Inventor. Artist. Dreamer,” an exhibition currently open through Sept. 2 at the California Science Center.
“Through models of da Vinci’s visionary machines, hands-on exhibits and graphic reproductions, Science Center guests will experience da Vinci’s use of art and science throughout his work, and his mastery of both,” said Jeffrey Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center. “We are excited to host an exhibition that so perfectly illustrates the importance of both science and art.”
Da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in Anchiano, Tuscany (now Italy), and died at Clos Lucé on May 2, 1519, at 67.
Through models of da Vinci’s innovations, hands-on experiences and reproductions of his notes and artwork, including “The Last Supper,” visitors will experience his continual curiosity and his use of both art and science throughout his work.
Da Vinci’s command of diverse science, art, music and engineering fields and his futuristic inventions made him a true Renaissance man.
The exhibition allows guests to explore more than 30 models of his innovative machines, each built by contemporary Italian artisans according to da Vinci’s exacting specifications.
Included are da Vinci’s futuristic flying machines, like the Flying Bicycle, Great Kite, and 33-foot Flying Eagle; along with the Mechanical Lion, the Great Organ and more than a dozen full-scale models.
Graphics and audio-visual interactives help interpret the machines and provide further hands-on exploration.
Guests have the opportunity to test their engineering and building skills, including recreating da Vinci’s famous self-supporting bridge, climbing aboard and operating his paddle boat and engaging in other interactive learning activities.
Da Vinci conducted dozens of carefully thought out experiments and created futuristic inventions that were groundbreaking for the time. His keen eye and quick mind led him to make important scientific discoveries, yet he never published his ideas.
As an engineer, da Vinci, who was largely self-educated, conceived ideas vastly considered ahead of his own time, conceptually inventing the parachute, an armored fighting vehicle, the helicopter, the use of concentrated solar power, the car and a gun, a rudimentary theory of plate tectonics and the double hull.
Guests can see digitally restored reproductions of some of da Vinci’s iconic artwork and discover details lost forever in the actual masterpieces through displays that reveal how each painting would have appeared originally. Each reproduction is shown alongside interactive exhibits where visitors will learn more about the artwork and its restoration.
The exhibit was developed by Leonardo3 Museum of Milan in collaboration with Running Subway Productions. It will tour nationally and internationally after leaving the California Science Center.
Guests can enhance their experience by seeing the IMAX movie, “Cities of the Future 3D,” to discover the innovations engineers are working on today — from electric flying cars to solar power beamed from space. Adult combo tickets for both the exhibition and the IMAX movie are $28.95, with various discounts available. Exhibition tickets are $22.95 for adults and IMAX ticket prices range from $8.79 to $9.79 with additional discounts when purchasing both the exhibition and IMAX movie, and special discounts for members, groups of 15 or more people and private events.
The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is $15 for cars. For information and exhibition tickets, call 213-744-2019 or visit californiasciencecenter.org/davinci.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
