Museo Leonardo Da Vinci

Interesting facts

1. 1

   Most machines in the museum were constructed by local artisans based on sketches found in the Codex Atlanticus.

2. 2

   The collection includes a full-scale model of Leonardo's tank design, which utilized a system of gears meant to be powered by eight men inside.

3. 3

   Several exhibits demonstrate Leonardo's pioneering studies in friction and the development of ball bearings.

4. 4

   Visitors can physically manipulate the mechanisms of the 'Aerial Screw,' often cited as the conceptual ancestor to the modern helicopter.

5. 5

   The exhibition space contains scaled replicas of bridge designs intended for military rapid deployment.

Overview

The Museo Leonardo Da Vinci in Florence specializes in full-scale, functional mechanical replicas based on the original codices of Leonardo da Vinci. The collection features interactive models of flying machines, hydraulic pumps, and war engines constructed primarily from wood and fabric. Unlike traditional galleries, the exhibits are designed for tactile engagement, allowing visitors to operate the gear systems and pulleys. The space is divided into thematic rooms showcasing Leonardo’s studies in civil engineering, optics, and anatomy. Informational panels provide context regarding the transition of these designs from sketches to three-dimensional prototypes. It serves as a study of Renaissance mechanical principles rather than a collection of original paintings.

Insider tips

• Engage with the interactive machines; they are designed to be touched and operated.

• Read the instructional panels first, as they explain the mechanical physics behind each machine before you try to operate it.

• Allocate time to observe the small-scale models which often show the evolution of a design before the final full-scale build.