The Saskatchewan Science Center in Regina is currently hosting an exhibition titled Da Vinci Inventions. I first learned about this in February, and ever since I was trying to find an opportunity to visit. Finally, this past Tuesday it was time to reconnect with the most inspiring artist, inventor and scientist of the Renaissance.
The busy Science Center’s parking lot and the well populated outdoor playground were keen reminders that Easter break is in full swing. We threw caution to the wind and entered the historical building. Soon we crossed the main foyer, provided proof of admission to the friendly hostess at the entrance to the exhibition hall and entered the dimly lit space.
Colin and I had visited the Da Vinci Exhibition at the Royal B. C. Museum in 1997. The experience is still vivid in our minds. At first impression we felt a little let down on Tuesday – however, once we realized that this exhibition is primarily focused on Leonardo’s sketches of anatomy and machines we quickly adjusted.
The traveling exhibition was created by Grande Exhibitions and the Anthropos Foundation of Italy. Anthropos Foundation is comprised of a group of scientists who continually study Leonardo Da Vinci‘s writings and create models of the mechanical sketches.
At the entrance to the exhibition we were welcomed by large posters providing us with a detailed biography of Da Vinci. Plinths showcased reproductions of several Codices. This space opened up to numerous large scale models, including his “flying machine.” Photography was not permitted, however I found this website with images of the models and artifacts on display.
The largest display space was most interesting, featuring several reproductions of his best know pieces such as the Mona Lisa, the Madonna of the Rocks, musical instruments and even a forerunner to the scuba diving suit with air reservoir.
My attention was quickly drawn to a large TV screen. A video dissecting the Vitruvian Man as well as the theory of how the Golden Mean relates to the human body was fascinating and made the relatively high price of admission worthwhile. Our visit was rounded off with a 45 minute documentary of Da Vinci’s life, his personal conflict of designing war machines while leaning toward pacifism and his art.
I couldn’t resist visiting the small gift shop and was very excited to find a copy of the video that had captured my attention among the artifacts. I plan to share the Vitruvian Man clip with the design students when they return for the wrap up on June 1st.
If you live within driving distance of Regina, Saskatchewan or travel through the city before April 28th don’t miss the chance to stop at the Science Center. Leonardo Da Vinci continues to inspire even 494 years after his death.
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 
Thanks for stopping by my blog too! We will have to keep in touch one Saskatchewan artist to another! I better get in to see this exhibit. I have been wanting but haven’t made it yet. I am glad you posted the closing date closing of this exhibit so I will get motivated to get there. I live in Regina so no excuse for me!
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Let me know what you think once you go and see the exhibit! Enjoy!
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Sadly I did not make it there! I have been too busy with planning all the details of my upcoming France painting excursion. Maybe I will get to see Leonardo there.
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It’s on for one more day… And then again, there may be other exhibitions with a Leonardo Da Vinci focus.
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Thanks for the heads up Anna. For some reason I just got your most recent message, but I appreciate the thought.
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Anna, I too visited the Royal Museum of B.C. When DaVinci was on display. His creativity was so inspiring, to think so much could have come from one man! It is amazing what the human brain is capable of. What exercises of the mind do you suggest to make the creative juices flow?
Thank you for the post, it brought back some very vivid memories.
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Sounds like Leonardo had the same impact on you as he had on me. I tried to find and read anything and everything about him following the BC exhibition. Several years ago I found the book “How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci” by Michael Gelb – I featured it in a book review on this blog some time ago.
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Thank you for this posting. It led me to a very interesting trip on the net.
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Great!!! Leonardo continues to be my greatest inspiration.
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Good morning Anna..everytime I see or hear what Da Vinci did I think about what his life must have been like. I wonder if people made fun of him. He was far ahead of his time. Now here is my question for your contest…I have many projects I would like to do, how do I set up my priorities? Art…photography…fabric art…classes to improve my knowledge…and than life seems to get in the way and mess things up? How did DaVinci do it? He probably didn’t sleep!
The sun is shinning and that’s a good thing. Donna
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I so wish I knew exactly how DaVinci dealt with every day distractions – I don’t think I called them distractions, actually. I believe he studied everything around him with great interest. The reason why The Last Supper took so long to finish was because he would immerse himself in the market to study and sketch people. These sketches became the faces, hands and gestures of the apostles. Leonardo’s natural curiosity was his school. Have you read a biography of him? If not check out the library – there are a number of great books about him.
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