Why You Need to See the Leonardo DaVinci - Man/Inventor/Genius Exhibit

Sometimes exhibitions are staid and boring and not pleasantly displayed. This international exhibit is not one of them. In addition to providing a wealth of insight into this remarkable man, it provides a variety of mind-stimulating displays. Here are some reasons why you need to see the Leonardo daVinci Exhibit - Man/Inventor/Genius:

Inspiring. Just seeing all that this man was involved with is inspiring. It is mind-boggling to think about how one person could have contributed so much to history 500 years ago. To see how the human mind can be utilized to its full potential is worth the admission price alone.

Versatility. Everyone is familiar with the artist responsible for the Mona Lisa portrait. However, daVinci has made contributions in the areas involving flight, mechanics, hydraulics, war machines, medical discovery, and art. To say this man was versatile is an understatement. You can see this versatility displayed throughout this fascinating exhibit.

Flight. As far as flight goes, da Vinci invented the parachute, hang gliding, and anemeter.

Mechanics. Did you know that da Vinci designed the gear shaft, the pulley, and excavator? He did. He also developed the auto hook, flywheel, cogwheel, and vertical drill - to name a few. Wow. It is fun to see the sketches, read about how the inventions work, and see the actual displays made of wood. Gaining a better understanding about mechanics was easy from reading and studying the displays in this exhibit.

Hydraulics. You can gain a better understanding about hydraulics from the displays in the Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit. Once again, there are his drawings/sketches along with descriptions about his inventions involving hydraulics. Did you know that he developed the lifebuoy? He did. And, he designed an underwater breathing apparatus.

War Machines. Did you know that da Vinci designed the tank, catapult and alpine assault technique? He did. He also designed defense systems such as the dislodge assault ladder. Seeing a wood model display of the tank is just too cool. And, you have seen those M&M ads with the rowers in the old water vessel? Da Vinci developed that rowing system.

Medical. This exhibit will show you that da Vinci used to dissect corpses and then draw about what he saw. He was fascinated with the human body and how it operated. Hence, he is known to be the forerunner for the artificial heart valve design.

Art. There is a miniature art gallery in this exhibit, of course. It is well presented, well lit, and provides for a wondeful way to examine Leonardo da Vinci's paintings. His paintings are displayed alongside fakes so viewers can gain a better understanding about the uniqueness of da Vinci's works. And, the Last Supper replica must be at least eight feet wide. It is something to see.

Displays. The Leonard da Vinci exhibition contains over 50 static and interactive displays. The static displays are made of wood which provides for a delightful viewing of inventions from a different time period in our history. Each static display is accompanied with a description, and possibly a drawing/sketch, of the invention. It is easy to see how the particular invention is put to life.

The interactive displays, also made of wood, allowed me to partake in the 'actual use' of the invention. They are what are known as "hands on" exhibit displays. Once again, these displays all had da Vinci's sketch/drawing and an easy-to-read description of what the invention or idea was, its purpose, and how it came about.

The interactive displays are a delight to use.

Computers. Modern age comes into play in each of the areas (except the art gallery). This is due to each section area (flight, mechanics, hydraulics, and war machines) having a computer where you can bring up a certain machine on the screen. Then, you can adjust the dimensions, view the sketch/drawing, and read about the physics involved. In fact, each invention contains a physics equation.

The computers are easy to use with very understandable directions. Plus, the print is easy to read, and the background is light enough not to cause any eyestrain. All you do is click on the machine you are interested in, and the computer generated drawing pops up on the screen. Then, you can adjust for a variety of features. For flight machines, as an example, you can adjust the wind turbulence and wing span dimensions.

By using the computers, learning more about Leonardo da Vinci's inventions and ideas is stimulating and very interactive. I liked that.

Movie theatre. There is a miniature movie theatre in the center of the Exhibit allowing you to see a History Channel documentary about Leonardo da Vinci. It is well worth the 15 minutes. There is no popcorn, though.

You need to see the Leonard da Vinci Men/Inventor/Genius International Exhibition to be amazed, inspired, and humbled. I would never have known he was such a diverse individual who has contributed so much to history had I not attended this fascinating and excellent exhibition.