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Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance Engineers

The Tech Museum of Innovation

September 27, 2008-January 25, 2009

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Leonardo da Vinci is celebrated as the inventor of extraordinary machines and mechanical devices that entered the common heritage of technical culture only several centuries after his death. However, a close examination of the history of technology from the late fourteenth century to the end of the fifteenth century reveals that the "Leonardo phenomenon" was the logical outcome of a development of engineering and technical skills to which other talented figures contributed as well. During Renaissance times, there was no division between art and science, as there is today. The unity of art and science echoes in the work of today’s leading innovators. Leonardo: 500 Years Into the Future represents the remarkable achievements of fifteenth century artist-engineers - Filippo Brunelleschi, The Sienese Engineers, and Leonardo da Vinci - and exemplifies the pivotal unity of art, technology and science.

This exhibition brings together over 200 artifacts, including drawings, sculptures and life-size models of the art, architectural projects, machines and mechanisms crafted from the original notebooks of the Renaissance artist-engineers. Didactic tools, including multi-media stations with interactive functions, put the machines and achievements of Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance artist-engineers into modern day context. Get a glimpse inside the mind of one of the world's most innovative thinkers. Leonardo da Vinci is the epitome of the Renaissance man - most famous for his paintings yet also renowned as a scientist, engineer and inventor. Leonardo expressed his insights through the medium of drawing: drawing was a form of communication and experimentation.

Drawings about his ideas and experiments depict the universal laws of equilibrium, geometric proportion and mechanical principles of movement that govern all of man and nature. The exhibition showcases how Leonardo's drawings blur the boundary between art and science and provide insight into how he thought. Leonardo da Vinci embraced art, technology and science, not as separate from one another, but as a whole. His imagination and ideas have inspired generations of scientists, artists and inventors.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $15-$25 (includes Leodardo & Regular Tech Exhibits)

  Info Phone: 408-294-TECH

  Buy tickets

• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  September 27, 2008-January 25, 2009

  Times:
  Tech Museum Hours:
  Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm
  
  Leonardo Exhibit Hours:
  Thurs-Sun: 9am-8pm
  Mon-Wed: 9am-5pm

• Venue Info

  Parkside Hall

  180 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95113

  Full map and directions

• Parking Info

  Parking Lots at the Convention Center, Park Street Garage and nearby hotels.

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

• Member Reviews

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  • Event Name: Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance Engineers
    "Take your time!"
    Review posted by: Susannah from San Jose, CA, Dec 24, 2008
    

    This was a HUGE exhibit, and for someone like myself who usually takes 1/2 the time allotted to an exhibit, I was amazed at how much time I could indeed spend. I'd say the first 2 parts of the... Expand

    This was a HUGE exhibit, and for someone like myself who usually takes 1/2 the time allotted to an exhibit, I was amazed at how much time I could indeed spend. I'd say the first 2 parts of the exhibit, though very informative and interesting we a bit heavy. A lot to absord for sure, but a great background to the later sections which focus more on Leonardo. Watch all the videos, and computer screen snippets, these are GREAT, and be sure to leave enough time for the last 1/3 of the exhibit which is art and science, a perfect event for the tech. Make a day of it, see an IMAX and check out the AWESOME regular exhibits at the tech. SO FUN! Collapse

  • Event Name: Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance Engineers
    "Engaging but not thrilling"
    Review posted by: JasonB from Sunnyvale, CA, Nov 30, 2008
    

    I left the museum with mixed feelings about this exhibit. Certainly many of the machine reproductions were fascinating to view, but there was nothing in this exhibit that really excited me.

    I left the museum with mixed feelings about this exhibit. Certainly many of the machine reproductions were fascinating to view, but there was nothing in this exhibit that really excited me.

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