Leonardo da Vinci’s machines come to Klaipėda: an interactive exhibition will be housed in the dungeons of the Castle Museum
In June, an exclusive interactive exhibition “Leonardo da Vinci’s Machines” opens in the 17th century architectural heritage spaces of Klaipėda Castle Museum. The traveling international exposition presents more than 30 working Leonardo da Vinci‘s inventions created based on the master’s authentic drawings: visitors will see flying, war, water and construction machines, as well as the reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings.
This unique international exhibition presents exact replicas of the great inventor’s mechanical inventions. The exhibition is characterised by its interactivity, educational activities and the opportunity to “operate” Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanisms by yourself.
The uniqueness of the exhibition lies in the authentic reconstructions of Leonardo da Vinci’s machines and the interactivity of the exhibition in the historical dungeons of Klaipėda Castle: “It is interesting that Leonardo da Vinci’s world-changing inventions will be brought back to life in the dungeons of the 17th century Klaipėda Castle, the oldest remaining brick space in Klaipėda. It is a unique fusion of engineering, art, history and interactivity,” – says Dr Jonas Genys, Director of the History Museum of Lithuania Minor.
The inventions for touching, spinning, testing
The devices featuring in the exhibition were produced in collaboration with engineers from Florence and Milan according to the Codex Atlanticus and other original manuscripts of Leonardo da Vinci. All models were made using authentic technologies, most of them are operational and designed to be touched, spinned and tested.
“Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest minds in human history. Scientists estimate his IQ to be around 250. For comparison, Albert Einstein had an IQ of 160. In the 15th century, he designed the car (self-propelled cart), the helicopter, the parachute and the glider. Without his inventions, such as the ball bearing, levers and gears, most modern machines could not work. Leonardo da Vinci was a futurist. His ideas are being realised today with technologies he only dreamed of back then,” – says Kamila Gierko, curator of the exhibition from the Organization of Exhibitions in Poland.
Visitors will be able to test a helicopter (helical aerial screw), lift an object with a hook hoist, and see Leonardo da Vinci’s armoured cart (tank).
Exhibition organisers: Klaipėda City Municipality, History Museum of Lithuania Minor, Organization of Exhibitions (Poland).
Where and when?
Where? In the 17th century dungeons of Klaipėda Castle (Friedrich’s Postern, next to the new Castle Tower, 2 Priešpilio Street, Klaipėda)
When? From June 13 to October 31.
Opening hours
From June 13 to September 16:
I-II closed
III-VII from 10.00 am to 06.00 pm
From September 17 to October 31:
I closed
II-VI from 10.00 am to 06.00 pm
VII closed
Closed on public holidays.
The museum closes one hour earlier on the eve of public holidays.
Ticket prices
Ticket – 7,00 Eur
Ticket with 50% discount – 3,50 Eur (schoolchildren, students, seniors)
Ticket with 100% discount – 0,00 Eur (pre-school children, persons with disabilities and their assistants (1 accompanying person)
Last entry 05.30 pm