If ever a single mind could be said to embody the cultural movement that was the Renaissance in medieval Europe, Leonardo Da Vinci would be that mind.
Painter, engineer, scientist, sculptor, architect and inventor, he lived from 1452 to 1519, mostly in Milan and Florence.
His paintings include the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper but his achievements spread beyond that into other areas.
Now an Italian interactive exhibition showcasing his inventions is on show across all of the Moreton Bay City Council museums.
The exhibition comes all the way from the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, Italy, and includes 60 of da Vinci’s inventions.
Special guest Tom Rizzo is Director of Exhibitions at Artisans of Florence, an international touring company.
“There’s a lot to surprise people in this exhibition,” he says.
“Leonardo was not just a great artist but an incredible engineer, scientist, botanist and designer.”
He says people are often astonished by the breadth of his work and the many fields of study that he pioneered in.
“Visitors often marvel at the innumerable designs that we recognise from modern life such as helicopters, hang gliders, parachutes, tanks, the bicycle and many more,” he says.
Alongside his inventions on show are replicas of some of da Vinci’s most famous paintings, including the Mona Lisa.
DA VINCI SHOW HOSTS
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery says the exhibition represents a rare opportunity.
“Hosting this exhibition is a huge win for Moreton Bay,” he says.
“Bringing this world-renowned collection to our city gives families, students, history lovers and curious minds of all ages the opportunity to step inside the mind of a true genius.”
He says they are “proud” that their museums are hosting such an exhibition.
Free programs and workshops will run across all Moreton Bay City museums.
The exhibition runs until November 2 at the Pine Rivers Heritage, Bribie Island Seaside and Redcliffe museums. Entry is free.
