Leonardo da Vinci and His Magnificent Machines Exhibition | St. Louis Front Page

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The model of Leonardo da Vinci's Scythed Chariot shows a wagon pulled by horses with rotating scythes set in motion by an ingenious gearing mechanism.
Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

The exhibit contains over sixty hand-crafted inventions built from Leonardo's 500 year old designs.

Leonardo da Vinci and His Magnificent Machines Exhibition
by Betty Moore, SLFP.com
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), December 18, 2011 - The Da Vinci Machines Exhibition, in the lobby of the Bank of America, at 8th and Market Streets, features replicas of some of da Vinci's most interesting inventions and artwork.

The exhibit which is on loan from the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, Italy, contains over sixty hand-crafted inventions built from Leonardo's 500 year old designs and is the life work of three generations of Florentine artisans, who have painstakingly brought to life the creations and concepts devised by the brilliant scientist, inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci.

The interactive and educational exhibit has four categories of machines that showcase some of da Vinci's best work in the areas of military, flight, nautical & hydraulics, and mechanics.

The Scythed Chariot, at the entrance to the exhibit, shows a wagon pulled by horses with rotating scythes set in motion by an ingenious gearing mechanism. One young boy was overheard exclaiming to his mother as they walked past, "Wow, that is an awesome machine."

As the exhibit is geared toward kids of all ages, many of the replicas can be touched and even tried. It's a wonderful experience to watch a first grader stand on his tip toes to turn one of the screw wheels, reacting with delight as the weight moves up and down or listen intently to the hammer banging down with precision each time on the replica of an anvil.

The main display includes a wooden "bicycle", "spring powered car", "hang glider" and the "air screw", a precursor to the helicopter. For the first time ever, the secrets behind Leonardo's legendary robotic lion, are revealed.

Visitors will also enjoy spending a few moments exploring the unique mirror room, where 8 panels show endless reflections. A children's area offers an opportunity for constructing and deconstructing a bridge from wooden sticks or create small parachutes.

Although the focus of the exhibition is the machines, great care was taken to have images of da Vinci's most famous works, including the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper, displayed on the walls of the bank lobby and behind many of the machines.

Guided group tours, which last about 35 minutes, offer special background information on each display. The exhibition also features a theater that shows "da Vinci Genius," a 50 - minute educational film about da Vinci's life and machines. While many of the images of da Vinci's anatomical sketches many not be suitable for very young children, the film provides an indepth profile of this Renaissance man.

The exhibit is open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and has been extended through February 29, 2012. Tickets are: Adults - $14.00; Students, Seniors (55+) & Military - $ 11.00; Children (5 - 10) - $9.00; Family Package (up to 5 people) - $40.00. Tours are offered each hour starting at 11:00 am. For more information, call 314-241-1241.

The Da Vinci Machines exhibit has four categories of machines that showcase some of da Vinci's best work in the areas of military, flight, nautical & hydraulics, and mechanics.

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