The Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills will host “Da Vinci Machines and Robotics,” an exhibition about the Italian Renaissance through the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The exhibition is presented by PNC Bank.
The exhibition opens to the public on July 21 and will showcase da Vinci’s inventions, paintings, sculptures, and architecture. Visitors will be able to interact with more than 60 machines developed from original da Vinci drawings, including flying machines, as well as nautical, hydraulic, and architectural innovations.
“Da Vinci is an interactive exhibit where guests can touch and even operate reconstructed models of da Vinci’s extraordinary machines,” says Michael D. Stafford, director of Cranbrook Institute of Science. “Kids of all ages will be immersed in design thinking as they operate da Vinci’s machines. Adults will enjoy witnessing all of his masterpieces under one roof, and everyone will appreciate seeing the world’s first helicopter, tank, scuba gear, car, and more.”
Reproductions of da Vinci’s works of art, including the “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper;” rare copies of his codices, or collections of his scientific writings; giant art panels; computer animations of his work; and film screenings will be available to visitors.
“PNC’s longstanding relationship with Cranbrook has helped make this wonderful community resource more accessible to individuals and families throughout metro Detroit,” says Ric DeVore, PNC regional president for Detroit and southeast Michigan. “This exciting exhibit allows visitors to experience the creations of one of the greatest minds in human history.”
The exhibit runs through Jan. 13, 2019 and is open during regular business hours. Tickets range from $6-$8 and are not included with general museum admission. During the summer, the museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12-4 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed Mondays after Aug. 27.
Members also have the opportunity to attend “A Summer Evening with da Vinci” on Aug. 2 from 5:30-8 p.m. The evening will include hands-on activities for children and “Leonardo da Vinci and the Mechanics of Nature,” a presentation by Dr. Thomas Willette, a history of art lecturer at Ann Arbor’s University of Michigan. Anyone who purchases a membership before the event will be able to attend.
The exhibition was created by the Artisans of Florence – International and Niccolai Teknoart S.N.C. (Firenze).
