Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) was a famous painter, polymath, and visionary inventor. This special exhibition invites you into the workshop of the ingenious engineer and his fascinating world of ideas. Following a unique greeting from the Mona Lisa, visitors embark on a journey of discovery through the Master's ideas, which were often far ahead of their time.
Leonardo experimented with innovative drives and developed machines for a wide range of applications. He designed bridges and vehicles, and drew inspiration from nature to create extraordinary flying machines. Thirty hands-on stations and interactive models, crafted precisely according to his original drawings, ensure plenty of movement and an immersive experience.

 

By pushing, pressing, turning, and pulling, children and adults alike can experience Leonardo’s inventions first-hand. The stations cover a diverse range of themes and offer new perspectives on his work. The spectrum ranges from an automated drum and a parachute to a mirror chamber and a pedal boat. The exhibition is a perfect fit for Mannheim, the "City of Inventors", where the bicycle and the motor car, among others, had their origins. The journey does not end in the past, however – in the exhibition’s finale, selected Mannheim-based start-ups demonstrate how they are continuing Leonardo da Vinci’s innovative spirit today with fresh impetus.