Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion

September 5, 2009 - January 3, 2010

Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion reveals one aspect of the multi-faceted ingenuity of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), who was a painter, sculptor, musician, architect, engineer and anatomist. His thousands of manuscripts, collectively named the “Codices,” contain designs that are the precursors of many modern machines and devices, including the car jack, glider, parachute and armored vehicle. Machines in Motion is an integrated experience on the precursor of contemporary science and engineering disciplines.

The exhibit contains 40 machines that were built after in-depth study of Leonardo da Vinci’s designs by a group of scientists and skilled craftsmen. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the mechanisms are life-sized and most are fully operational. Visitors may touch and set them in motion, combining fun with instruction. The exhibits take the spectator into the magical world of machines devised by Leonardo da Vinci. Not only did this master engineer solve practical problems long before our era, but he also conceived the precursors of machinery that have been manufactured in recent history, such as the tank, machine gun and aircraft.

The materials used in construction of these 40 machines were available in Leonardo da Vinci’s era, and are the ones proposed by the master himself. Using wood, rope and glue, the materials were crafted by hand, faithfully adhering to Leonardo da Vinci’s instructions and employing tools of the time.

$4 in addition to general admission/Free for Members.

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Primary Nav

Section Header

Calendar