Experience Leonardo da Vinci’s genius first-hand when da Vinci Machines opens at the Western Australian Museum – Albany this Saturday 29 November.
This exciting exhibition features 60 of his visionary inventions in the areas of flying machines, nautical innovations, and machines of war, alongside 15 beautifully crafted replicas of famous da Vinci artworks.
WA Museum – Albany Regional Manager Rachael Wilsher-Saa said the exhibition is unlike anything the Albany community had experienced. It explores the breadth of Leonardo da Vinci’s extraordinary talent in a really interesting and interactive way.
“Our visitors won’t just get a glimpse of da Vinci’s brilliance; they will be able to explore the whole creative process of designing and building these machines,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.
“The exhibition places da Vinci’s Codices or concept drawings alongside real models of his machines, created by modern day artisans who, true to da Vinci’s ideas, used only materials of da Vinci’s day in construction. Many of the exhibits are interactive, allowing visitors to feel and operate completed machines.”
Some of the objects include a revolutionary underwater breathing apparatus; a concept for a helicopter made of reeds, linen, and iron thread; and plans for an armoured vehicle made from wood – potentially the world’s first military tank. The fact that the mechanical theory behind these ideas generated in the 15th Century is still relevant in the 21st Century is testament to da Vinci’s brilliance.
Da Vinci Machines will feature at the WA Museum – Albany from 29 November to 28 February 2015. Tickets can be purchased from the Western Australian Museum – Albany or on the website at www.museum.wa.gov.au. Each ticket also allows access to a range of extra activities which will keep both children and adults entertained for hours.
The da Vinci Machines exhibition is presented by Niccolai – Teknoart SNC and the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci, Florence.
Ends
Media contact:
Sharna Craig
Media and Publicity Officer
Western Australian Museum
6552 7897
