Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Through Sept. 6, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History invites patrons to spend the summer exploring its latest exhibit titled Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius. Located on the second floor of the museum, this large exhibit features more than 60 models of da Vinci’s famous machines, robots and solar powered concepts, as well as 12 reproductions of his most important paintings.

The exhibit displays the breadth and variety of da Vinci’s innovations, including flying machines, submarines, underwater breathing gear, and how he laid the groundwork for the artificial heart valve. It gives patrons the perspective to understand the depth of da Vinci’s genius.

The exhibit begins with a large timeline wall showing the expanse of da Vinci’s life and work. It follows down a corridor that leads to a virtual cathedral displaying many of this more important artistic works along the walls. A historical summary of the significance accompanies each piece, including the Mona Lisa. Several benches line the center of the faux church where patrons can sit to watch a video about da Vinici’s work projected on the main wall.

Beyond the church setting, visitors can walk amongst custom-built wooden models of machines and even pre-technology robots da Vinci designed on paper. Each piece displays da Vinci’s writing and drawings and a summary of how the machine works.

Many of the models and machines are interactive, allowing guests to put the physics of da Vinci’s machines to the test. Some of the pieces include interactive video presentations that show real-life applications, as well as some modern impracticalities of da Vinci’s designs. It’s an eye-opening experience for students of all ages, as well as a source of inspiration for artists and engineers.

The exhibition is included with paid admission to the museum’s general exhibits. Tickets cost $14 for adults, $10 for children aged 3-12 and seniors 60 and older. The museum also offers special rates for school and group visits. For group tours, call the museum office at (817)255-9300.

HelloMetro Tip: The new parking garage is the best bet for keeping cars cool during the summer months at $2 for 90 minutes. However, there is free parking in a chain-link fenced in lot to the south of the museum just off Harley Avenue. Parking in either the garage or the large lot will require walking about the distance of one block to get to the entrance of the museum that faces the east on Gendy Street.

- by Jenn Emerson, Fort Worth Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)