There’s still time to catch da Vinci exhibition at Reading Public Museum
“Da Vinci: The Exhibition,” an in-depth examination of Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci’s life and art, continues through Jan. 8 on the third floor of Reading Public Museum.
This exhibition follows da Vinci on a journey of innovation, creativity, science and wonder amid beautiful scenes of the Italian countryside. A hands-on examination of his art, life and research, it features more than 60 fully built, life-size inventions, more than 20 fine art studies and dozens of stunning displays. The exhibit shows the complex beginnings and lifetime achievements of da Vinci through his discoveries in art, engineering, flight, hydraulics, music, light and more. Throughout the exhibition’s themed galleries, visitors will discover the breadth and scope of da Vinci’s incredibly advanced understanding of science, mathematics, nature and the relationship between the three.
The artist’s intricate designs and extraordinary early concepts are spotlighted, including his design for the helicopter, tank, scuba, crane, clock, submarine and his plan for a modern city. Additionally, various multimedia experiences and documentary presentations throughout the space will provide a multitude of supplementary information on da Vinci’s discoveries and creative process.
Each invention featured within “Da Vinci: The Exhibition” was handcrafted utilizing a modern translation of da Vinci’s unique mirrored writing style in an ancient Florentine dialect. Trained artisans used these translations to construct full-scale models and bring the master’s twodimensional plans to life.
The exhibition also investigates a collection of da Vinci’s most renowned paintings, including some controversial works traditionally attributed to him but not yet authenticated. Guests will have the opportunity
to thoroughly study the artistic mastery behind such works as “Mona Lisa,” “The Last Supper,” “Portrait of a Young Man,” “Virgin of the Rocks” and “St. John the Baptist.”
The museum is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Christmas Eve,
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is $10 for adults (18-64), $6 for children/seniors/college students (w/ID) and free to members and children 3 and younger. For more information, see www.readingpublicmuseum.org.