What is the Leonardo da Vinci Machines Exhibition?

Leonardo da Vinci dedicated himself with passion to scientific studies. His manuscripts, known as Codices, exhibit ingenuous solutions to practical problems of his time and he was able to imagine future possibilities such as flying machines and automation.

Historical documents reveal that Leonardo commissioned local artisans to create some of his inventions. Unfortunately none of these original machines have survived and many of his inventions were forgotten. However, the last fifty years has seen a revival of interest in Vincian technology, spearheaded by the Niccolai family who have been interpreting the designs and constructing fine models since the beginning of Vincian studies.

This exhibition presents over sixty models grouped in themes: War machines, Flying machines, Nautical & Hydraulic machines as well as devices illustrating the Principles of Mechanics. The interactive machines are a popular aspect of each exhibition as visitors can touch and handle these models to gain a first-hand appreciation of how they work. Explanatory notes and illustrative panels with Leonardo's drawings accompany each model. The copies of the Codices and computer programs on CD-Rom enhance the scientific, cultural and educational experience of the inhabitation.

About the Artisans

In 1995 the Teknoart group, a team of Florentine artisans lead by the Niccolai firm in collaboration with leading academics, physicists and historians, began to produce a series of models using material of the time: wood, cotton, brass, iron and cord. Along with the models a series of informative panels were produced by experts and include images of the original da Vinci designs.

The machines are the result of fine craftsmanship as the artisans pay particular attention to detail in order to reflect Leonardo's objectives. Each machine is designed with the aid of a computer to calculate the exact proportions of the models. At the beginning of the new millennium the Italian Government recognised the high quality and skill achieved by the Niccolai family by conferring upon them the special award "Italia che Lavora" (Italy at Work). Over the past decade a myriad of outstanding exhibitions have been held in numerous cities throughout the world, including Florence, Siena, Venice, Naples, Warsaw, Madrid, Hong Kong, Dubai, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Taipei, Vienna, and Berlin. All have been endorsed by scholars and have received official patronage by the hosting municipal councils.

Over the years the artisans have received many accolades and acknowledgements from key professional associations, and have featured in TV programs, documentaries and even Hollywood movies:

• "Da Vinci: Unlocking the Genius" Discovery HD channel (Canada)
• Documentary by Japanese filmmakers Channel NHK
• "Bridge to Terabithia", Walt Disney Film, (USA)