The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) has opened The World of Leonardo da Vinci, an innovative and enriching family friendly exhibition dedicated to one of history’s greatest minds and talents. 

For the first time ever in the Pacific Northwest, two original da Vinci folios from the 500-year-old Codex Atlanticus are on display thanks to an arrangement with the renownedBiblioteca Ambrosiana of Milan, Italy.

“This is a rare opportunity to view actual sketches drawn by one of the most significant scientists of the Renaissance era,” said Erin Graham, President and CEO of OMSI. “The entire exhibition showcases how da Vinci’s genius as an artist and inventor predicted our current learning emphasis on STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics – as a critical approach for developing inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking among today’s youth. We hope our visitors will be inspired by Leonardo’s work to uncover their own scientific passion.”  

The exhibit includes:

  • The original Codex Atlanticus, folio 945r, which features a nautical vessel called the Paddle Boat.
  • The original Codex Atlanticus, folio 30v, an internal mechanism to create movement, which is applied in many of da Vinci’s machines.
  • All pages of da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus and Codex on Flight in digital format.
  • A gallery devoted to da Vinci’s artistic endeavors that offers extensive insights into The Mona Lisa, Vitruvian Man, and Lady with an Ermine with a full-scale reproduction of The Last Supper.
  • Several three-dimensional reconstructions of da Vinci’s many engineering and machine drawings, including the Mechanical Lion, Rapid-fire Crossbow, Great Continuous Organ and the Retractable Ladder. 
  • A life-size, interactive model of the Paddle Boat that includes a view of Milan’s canals as they appeared during da Vinci’s time.
  • An OMSI-designed gallery at the end of the exhibit called The Inventor’s Workshop that focuses on exploring simple machines, drawing self-portraits and testing one of da Vinci’s experiments – the parachute. It is intended for younger audiences and those interested in hands-on experimentation. 

The World of Leonardo da Vinci is at OMSI through Labor Day, September 5, and is made possible by the generous support of local presenting sponsor, Chevron. Guests can purchase tickets, which include general museum admission, online at omsi.edu, via phone at 503.797.4000 or in person at the museum.

About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums and a trusted educational resource for communities throughout Oregon and the region. Through museum exhibitions, public programs, outdoor programs, traveling exhibitions, digital learning, and learning research and design, OMSI nourishes a lifelong love of science, curiosity and learning for diverse audiences in every county in Oregon and throughout the region. OMSI recently released updated plans for its upcoming OMSI District, a one-of-a-kind neighborhood and destination for Oregonians – with innovation, culture and science learning at its heart. The OMSI District is a collaboration of local, Tribal and regional government entities, nonprofits and businesses. OMSI’s museum is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu. Connect with the museum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Leonardo3 (L3)
The World of Leonardo da Vinci is produced by the Leonardo3 (L3), a research center and museum in Milan, Italy devoted to the study and interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci’s work. Following more than twenty years of development, the curators at L3 have utilized the latest technology to assemble an unparalleled exhibition that brings Leonardo’s creations and visions to life allowing audiences to explore the true artistry and virtuosity of this influential genius. More information can be found at leonardo3.net. 

About Running Subway
Running Subway is a New York-based entertainment production company that has produced a multitude of successful exhibitions and theatrical productions, including Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, King Tut, Pompeii, The Dead Sea Scrolls, Harry Potter and The Art of the Brick. Running Subway is also responsible for the highly successful Broadway and touring production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical as well as Judy Garland in Concert and Sinatra at the London Palladium. For more information about Running Subway, visit runningsubway.com.