Da Vinci – Inventions

July 1, 2021

SEATTLE’S MUSEUM OF HISTORY & INDUSTRY (MOHAI) PRESENTS THE WEST COAST PREMIERE OF Da Vinci – Inventions EXHIBITION

Member pre-sale tickets available July 12!

July 31, 2021 – January 3, 2022

SEATTLE – This summer Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) presents the West Coast premiere of Da Vinci – Inventions, one of the most comprehensive explorations of Leonardo da Vinci’s work created, for a limited engagement in Seattle. Tickets for this special exhibition are available to members starting July 12 with tickets opening up to the general public on July 19.

Da Vinci – Inventions, created by Grande Experiences, demonstrates the full scope of Leonardo da Vinci’s remarkable genius as an inventor, anatomist, sculptor, engineer, and architect. An extensive range of unique pieces includes numerous examples of his machine inventions. Visitors will be able to push, pull, crank, and interact with many of these machines for a hands-on understanding of the scientific principles behind them.

Da Vinci – Inventions offers visitors of all ages and backgrounds an entertaining, educational and enlightening experience, whether they are history aficionados or exploring Leonardo da Vinci’s work for the first time.

Created with the assistance of the Museo Leonardo da Vinci – Rome, Italy, Da Vinci – Inventions celebrates one of the most revered and dynamic minds of all time. The exhibition features 16 themed areas of Leonardo da Vinci’s work, offering visitors a look inside the mind of the ultimate Renaissance man who laid the groundwork for some of the world’s most impactful inventions, such as the helicopter, airplane, automobile, submarine, parachute, and bicycle.

The inventions brought to life for Da Vinci – Inventions were crafted by Italian artisans, many using the same techniques and materials from the Renaissance period. Scouring more than 6,000 pages from Leonardo’s personal codices (notebooks), the artisans deciphered hidden clues, intentional mistakes and mirror-image writing that Leonardo da Vinci employed to keep his works top secret.

Visitors of Da Vinci – Inventions are invited to embrace the history, theory, and objective behind each of Leonardo da Vinci’s designs through engaging and entertaining technologies. Guests also will enjoy a glimpse into Leonardo’s mysterious alphabet and writing techniques as they browse touch-screen versions of his actual codices.

Generous support for Da Vinci – Inventions in Seattle is made possible by Laird Norton Wealth Management, the Estate of Harold & Mary Frances Hill, Mike Repass, and the MOHAI Exhibits Fund. Media support provided by KCTS 9 and Crosscut.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS RELATED TO THE Da Vinci – Inventions EXHIBITION (Details are subject to change, and additional programs and events may be added).

Curators Lecture: Leonardo da Vinci’s Genius Across the Centuries

Thursday, September 9, 7 pm

$15 General Public/Free to MOHAI Members, Online

Leonardo da Vinci remains history’s universal genius. His achievements in art, engineering, mathematics, anatomy, geology, physics, music, military technology, aeronautics, and many other fields, not only stood without peer in his own time, but were strikingly prescient for the distant future. He was a Renaissance visionary who saw the modern world before it was realized. Join Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Senior Curator, Dr. Peter Jakab, as he reveals Leonardo’s world and explores one of da Vinci’s greatest fascinations—human flight. This program is made possible by the

Smithsonian Institution. MOHAI has been a Smithsonian Affiliate since 2009.

Online: In the Spirit of da Vinci: Innovations from the Northwest

Wednesday, September 29, 7 pm

Free, $10 Suggested Ticket Price

Join MOHAI Executive Director Leonard Garfield for a close look at some of the most transformative innovations that have emerged from the Northwest. Explore the intersections of technology, nature, and civic life as reflected in the region’s most significant inventions.

Up-to-date information about Da Vinci – Inventions and related programming can be found in the MOHAI online calendar, on Facebook or by calling (206) 324-1126.

DIGITAL INITIATIVES

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MOHAI launched History at Home a hub for online experiences, presented to find fun and unique ways to explore history at home with your friends, family, and the young people in your life. Highlights of History at Home content include homeschool tools focusing on MOHAI’s artifacts and crafts and storytime suggestions; MOHAI Youth Advisors (MYA) Spotlight with special guest TK, one of the hosts of the Museum’s popular and award-winning Rainy-Day History podcast; MOHAI on Demand featuring MOHAI’s popular programs including Community Conversations, History Café, and more! MOHAI Collection Close-Up: A Day in the Life of Washington explores how everyday ordinary moments have important historical significance in this amazing photograph collection; exciting digital content and live online events presented on an ongoing basis.

ABOUT MOHAI

MOHAI is dedicated to enriching lives through preserving, sharing, and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region, and the nation. As the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington, the museum engages communities through interactive exhibits, online resources, and award-winning public and youth education programs. For more information about MOHAI, please visit mohai.org, or call (206) 324-1126. Facebook: facebook.com/seattlehistory Twitter: @MOHAI.

Hours: MOHAI is open 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday through Monday and daily starting July 31. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Admission: $22 for adults; $18 for senior citizens ages 65 and over; $17 for students and military; free for youth (ages 14 and under, accompanied by a chaperone, maximum five youth admitted per chaperone), and MOHAI members.

Address: MOHAI is located at 860 Terry Ave. in Seattle. Please visit MOHAI.org for directions.

Gourmondo Café at MOHAI: Whether you are visiting the museum or strolling around Lake Union Park, you are invited to stop in for a bite at our newly re-opened lakeside cafe: Gourmondo at MOHAI. Situated alongside the historic ships wharf and just steps from the water, this bright and sunny spot offers unbeatable views of the park and Lake Union. Please join us for coffee and pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, beer, wine, and even ice cream. On warm days, relax on the Boeing Community Terrace and soak in all that Lake Union Park has to offer. And make a special visit to the café during our Da Vinci exhibition for a delicious Da Vinci themed treat! MOHAI members save 10%!

The MOHAI Mercantile: Visit our store inside MOHAI’s beautiful Grand Atrium to shop gifts, books, toys, jewelry, and souvenirs from over 100 local authors and artists. Museum Admission is not required to visit the store. If you aren’t able to drop by the museum, then check out MOHAI’s online store and choose from a range of products from local artists and vendors, and a collection of books covering diverse aspects of Seattle’s history. You are sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Purchases at the store directly support MOHAI’s educational mission. Don’t forget: MOHAI members receive 15% off their online purchase!

Information: For general inquiries, please call (206) 324-1126.

Image captions: Vitruvian Man, and Self Portrait, courtesy of Grande Experiences.

ABOUT GRANDE EXPERIENCES

Creators and promoters of Da Vinci – Inventions, Grande Experiences have researched, sourced and interpreted much of what is contained in the exhibition.

Grande Experiences is a world leader in the creation, design, production, promotion and installation of large-scale exhibitions and immersive experiences with broad cultural appeal along with engaging, entertaining, and educational content. Its exhibitions have been displayed 200+ times in over 150 cities, in 32 languages, across six continents enthralling audiences of over 18 million people.

Grande Experiences is based in Melbourne, Australia with satellite offices in the UK, Italy, and the USA.