500 Years of Genius revealed: an unparalleled showcase of Leonardo da Vinci’s work opens in Melbourne.
THE LUME Melbourne has officially unveiled its latest offering, “Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius,” presenting an unparalleled showcase that promises to redefine the boundaries of immersive art and technology. Opening its doors to the public from March 16, 2024, this extraordinary exhibition invites visitors to step inside the world of Leonardo da Vinci, delving into his original drawings and writings from the famed Codex Atlanticus.
For the first time in history, the Codex Atlanticus will be on display in Australia, marking a monumental achievement for THE LUME Melbourne. This feat is the result of over a decade of dedicated relationship-building with Biblioteca Ambrosiana, the custodians of much of Leonardo’s legacy in Milan. The exhibition also boasts to-scale machine inventions, meticulously crafted by Italian artisans, along with the only exact 360º replica of the Mona Lisa in the world.
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“The story of this polymath is extraordinary when one pauses to reflect,” says Bruce Peterson, Founder of THE LUME Melbourne. “Leonardo, arguably the greatest creative genius the world has ever known, astonishes us with the vastness of his curiosity and expertise – from artist and scientist to engineer, sculptor, musician, event producer, geologist, botanist – and beyond.”
To achieve this ambitious showcase, THE LUME Melbourne’s team forged close connections with key Italian and French artisans, historians, and curators. The exhibition unfolds across a colossal 3,000 sqm multisensory gallery, guiding visitors through the streets of Florence, the canals of Venice, the history of Rome, the grandeur of Milan, and ending in Amboise, France, mirroring Leonardo’s journey.
Among the highlights is a scientific exploration of the Mona Lisa by Pascal Cotte, the world’s leading authority on the iconic painting. Visitors will uncover 25 secrets hidden beneath the surface, as revealed by Cotte’s state-of-the-art technology and expertise. The exhibition also features interactive areas, including a VR Florence Flyover, a Renaissance-themed dining experience at Caffè Medici, and the chance to transform into a Leonardo sketch through AI innovation.
“500 Years of Genius” promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering visitors of all ages a deeper understanding of Leonardo’s inspirations, innovations, and enduring impact. The exhibition opens its doors at THE LUME Melbourne, located at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, on March 16, 2024. Tickets start from $29.90 and can be purchased on THE LUME Melbourne’s website.
For more information and tickets, please visit: www.thelumemelbourne.com
