A new exhibition titled „Leonardo da Vinci – Masterpieces of Technology and Art“ opened its doors at the Museum der Schwalm in Schwalmstadt-Ziegenhain on Sunday, attracting numerous art and technology enthusiasts. The exhibition delves into the life and work of the Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), offering fascinating insights into his roles as an artist, engineer, and researcher.
During the opening speeches, First City Councillor Lothar Ditter and Dietmar Dunkel, a representative of the museum, praised the excellent collaboration with the city. They specifically highlighted the support from the municipal construction department and the Department of Economy, Tourism, and City Marketing (WTS), which significantly contributed to the smooth setup of the exhibition. Ditter emphasized that without the dedicated support of these departments, the exhibition in its current form would not have been possible.
The exhibition focuses on replicas of da Vinci’s machines, which garnered significant interest. Flight apparatus, hydraulic constructions, war machines, and other groundbreaking inventions showcase Leonardo’s visionary engineering prowess. Many of these machines continue to inspire engineers and scientists worldwide.
The highlight of the evening was Dr. Friedhelm Häring’s opening speech. As a renowned art historian and former director of the Oberhessisches Museum in Gießen, Häring traced da Vinci’s multifaceted life, highlighted masterpieces such as the „Mona Lisa“ and „The Last Supper,“ and praised his technological and scientific achievements. The exhibition prominently features full-scale replicas of da Vinci’s machines, reconstructed based on computer-animated original drawings. Inventions in mechanics, hydraulics, military technology, as well as modes of transportation on land, water, and in the air are showcased.
An interactive experience awaits visitors at the exhibition, allowing them to interact with some of the models and experience Leonardo’s innovative ideas first-hand. This interactive component was well-received by guests, enhancing the exhibition’s liveliness.
The exhibition received significant interest from visitors, with many captivated by the detailed replicas of the machines and sketches, providing a deep dive into da Vinci’s thought process. One enthusiastic visitor remarked, „It’s amazing how modern his inventions appear.“
The exhibition will be on display daily at the Museum der Schwalm in Schwalmstadt-Ziegenhain until December 8, 2024. For more information, visit www.entdeckeschwalmstadt.de.