Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci is best known for painting the “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper,” and for his sketch of the Vitruvian Man, but since his death more than 500 years ago, his artwork and sketches have been studied around the world.
History buffs, scientists and engineering aficionados know that da Vinci was probably more interested in being an inventor than a painter. Prototypes of his many inventions and ideas were brought to life at the interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence, Italy, founded by the Niccolai family, but now all you need to do is head to downtown Miami to experience much of the same.
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Leonardo da Vinci’s “robot” is thought to have been invented for theatrical purposes.
The “Da Vinci Machines and Robotics” exhibition, developed by Artisans of Florence International in collaboration with The Niccolai Group, will be here through March 24 at 117 NE First Ave. in the old Security Building. Miamians call the building “historic” because it was completed in 1928. Europeans would surely get a chuckle over that, but get here soon before this space – where a video of da Vinci’s life is playing on a loop in the back vault – becomes a coffee shop in September.
Meanwhile, you can step back centuries in time to see more than 60 reconstructed inventions from polymath da Vinci’s manuscripts and blueprints. The world wasn’t ready for his genius in the 15th century, but more than ever, his futuristic inventions demonstrate their relevance in today’s high-tech and scientific world.
The exhibition is presented within five themes: War Machines, Robotics, Flying Machines, Nautical & Hydraulic Machines and Civil Machines. Reproductions of his most famous artworks are dispersed among the machines.
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Leonardo da Vinci’s paddle boat was intended to be propelled by hands or feet. The goal was increasing speed.
Da Vinci’s obsession with wheels, pullies, gears, motion and propulsion are evident at the start of the display. As you move through the space, you see how those early pieces contributed to more advanced prototypes, such as one showing the internal mechanisms of a human robot, which many scholars believe was initially developed for theatrical purposes. Da Vinci is, in fact, a pioneer of modern theatrical machinery. Many of his early inventions were used on the stage to wow audiences with special effects of the day.
His fascination with water and maritime subjects led to the simple double hull on display, which was originally designed for use in maritime warfare, but is now applied to all ships. The design prevents a boat from sinking if the first hull is breached. His designs laid the groundwork for future advancements in the development of the submarine and an early apparatus developed to help swimmers breathe underwater is the precursor to modern scuba diving equipment, which you’ll also see.
Perhaps da Vinci’s most fantastic experimental designs are those related to human mechanical flight. Centuries before the Wright brothers, da Vinci was studying birds to figure out how to get us off the ground and into the air. Indeed, some of the most interesting pieces on display are the precursors to hang gliders, drones and parachutes. His “aerial screw” was most certainly an ancestor of the modern helicopter.
This display provides a window into how da Vinci’s mind worked and how passionate he was about exploring the possibilities for humankind to transcend all perceived physical limitations – imagining advances to push boundaries that far exceeded the confines of his era.
Tom Rizzo, the exhibit’s curator and an apprentice with the Artisans of Florence, pointed out to Miami Vibes magazine that “many of Leonardo’s designs never made it past the concept stage during his lifetime,” but the meticulously handcrafted inventions in this exhibition by Florentine artisans based on da Vinci’s detailed plans help us understand how his dreams fueled inventors who followed, in many cases, centuries later.
So, get thee to downtown Miami to experience “Da Vinci Machines and Robotics.” Park at the College Station garage at 190 NE Third St. and walk around the corner to the old Security Building. Walk too fast, blink and you miss it. The signage isn’t good. The more imposing Historic Gesu Catholic Church on the corner is a good landmark to help you find the entrance.
Another option is taking public transit as the venue is only one block west of the First Street Metromover station and two blocks east of the Metrorail Government Center station.
The hours of operation are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Entry costs $22 for adults, $18 for children ages 7-18, and is free for children under age 7. Tickets may be purchased in advance at DaVinciExhibitionUSA.com or at the door. Allow at least an hour to thoroughly enjoy it.
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Inside the “Da Vinci Machines and Robotics” exhibition at 117 NE First Ave. in downtown Miami.
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Leonardo da Vinci’s “aerial screw” in the foreground was most certainly an ancestor of the modern helicopter. Above is his wing design for a hand glider.
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Leonardo da Vinci’s intended parachute invention.
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The Leonardo da Vinci drone.
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An early apparatus by Leonardo da Vinci was developed to help swimmers breathe underwater. It is the precursor to modern scuba diving equipment.