Denver Museum of Nature and Science – Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibit

After a visit last weekend, I’m happy to report on the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit.   The artist of Mona Lisa fame contributed many amazing things during this lifetime. This temporary exhibit has been described as “the most comprehensive exhibition about Leonardo ever presented”.

Every time we are in Denver, a visit to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is at the top of my kid’s list.  I wish I had had more time, and that my kids had joined me in the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit.  There were some interactive portions I think children would enjoy, and my 8 year old mechanically inclined son would have been fascinated by the machinery reproductions.

I do highly recommend it!  Here’s a peek at some highlights and what to expect.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibit

The Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit is on temporary display at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, available for viewing with an additional admission fee.  There are no original works in this collection.  But the diverse combination of inventions and artwork is an incredible testament to how amazing Da Vinci was in his accomplishments.

Perhaps like myself you know him primarily as a famous Italian artist.  But he was also an inventor, scientist, anatomist, engineer, architect, sculptor, and philosopher.

The human body fascinated him, and many of his drawings on display showcase his precise understanding of anatomy.  This had to have been revolutionary for his time, given he lived from 1452 – 1519!  The series of anatomical drawings was one of my favorite portions of this “500 Year of Genius” exhibit.

Leonardo Da Vinci Art

Reproductions of some of Da Vinci’s most famous paintings are on display with the exhibit.  I was excited to spot one I recognized, “Annunciation”.  My husband and I got to see this original firsthand in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, on our 10th Anniversary trip to Italy last year!

This area of the exhibit has a table set up for an interactive drawing activity.  I did not have time to try it out, but it looked fun.  Portions like this should help keep kids more interested when visiting.

At the end of the exhibit area is a display area dedicated to his most famous work of all:  the Mona Lisa.  The “Secrets of Mona Lisa” reveal things not previously known about this painting.  Highly interesting!

Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions

I loved this aspect of the exhibit. You’ve no doubt seen reproductions of some of Da Vinci’s famous drawings?  This exhibit includes numerous life-sized replicas, built based on Leonardo’s machine drawings.  Beside each replica is a copy of the source drawing “blueprint”.  I didn’t realize he invented so many machines.

He even designed what some people describe as the precursor of the first car.

His understanding of science and mastery of physics is on full display with these impressive creations.  What a magnificent mind! Fascinated with flight, many of his inventions had to do with assisting humans to fly.

Leonardo Da Vinci “500 Years of Genius” Exhibit – Tickets and Prices

The Leonardo Da Vinci  “500 Years of Genius” exhibit runs through August 25, 2019…. So check it out this Summer!  Tickets can purchased online ahead of time, or same day at the museum.   Prices are $9 for adults, and $6 for kids ages 3 – 18 (in addition to your Museum entrance fee).

Because the exhibit been on display since December 2018, it appears the crowds have died down a bit.  I’d say it’s a safe bet to purchase tickets on the day of your visit.  We arrived at 3 pm (with a 5 pm closing time) and there were still tickets available for that afternoon.

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My family received complementary admission tickets for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and 1 media pass to view the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit.  All opinions are my own.