On Tuesday, December 30, Betsy Ortiz of Walnut Creek was the Tech Museum’s 100,000th visitor to the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit.

“We’ve reached a fabulous milestone with this groundbreaking exhibit,” president of The Tech Museum, Peter Friess said. “People are coming from all corners of the region to see this one-of-a-kind show that is educative, fun and exciting.”

The exhibit features the most comprehensive display of the innovative art, science and engineering works of Leonardo da Vinci and his contemporaries. The exhibit includes more than 100 life-size and scale working models, hands-on interactive machines, multimedia presentations and two priceless works of art.

The life-sized and scale working models are based on conceptual drawings and designs by Leonardo, Francesco di Giorgio, Mariano di Iacopo (Taccola), and others. These models recreated using tools and materials common in Leonardoís time. Most of Leonardoís machines were never built in his lifetime, as many could not have been built due to the lack of suitable parts.

The exhibit has been extended to January 25, 2009 due to popular demand. There may be a further extension if high attendance continues.

Schedule well over three hours for the exhibit alone.

The Tech Museum of Innovation
Through January 25, 2009

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The stage for ‘Leonardo: 500 Years into the Future’ is being set at The Tech. Though there is not yet much to see, I was able to get into the mood as the team of workers would speak, and occasionally sing in their native Italian. Over 200 artifacts, drawings, working models, and paintings will be on display. Visitors to the exhibit should emerge with an awareness of the genius that was Leonardo. Anticipation for this exclusive U.S. showing is great, so I suggest purchasing tickets in advance.

The Tech

The glorious 24-foot bronze horse that was never completed stands at The Tech.*

Leon Battista Alberti (1404–72), said that “a man can do all things if he will.” Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance man, gave it his all.

Leonardo the scientist experimented with anatomy, zoology, botany, geology, optics, aerodynamics, and hydrodynamics. Leonardo the inventor used levers and gears in many of his inventions, and recognized water as a source of power. His study of light and shadow, plus his knowledge of anatomy gave reality and depth to his art. Leonardo found time to compose music too.

* Ludovico Sforza commissioned Leonardo to make a four times larger than life bronze statue of the late Duke of Milan on horseback. Unfortunately It took Leonardo so many years to study horses (and then to perfect a casting technique) that all was lost when France invaded Italy. The bronze that had been set aside for the project was instead turned into weapons of mass destruction – in those days cannons!

Note: The statue at The Tech is constructed of steel and Fiberglass. It will be on display through January 4, 2009.

The works of Leonardo da Vinci and his contemporaries: Leonardo – ‘500 Years into the Future’ the exhibit – will give visitors a rare opportunity to see what is possible.

The Tech Museum of Innovation – ‘500 Years into the Future’

September 27, 2008 – January 4, 2009 (This will be the only U.S. showing)