Leonardo da Vinci’s Machines in Motion

Celebrated as a painter, sculptor, musician, architect, engineer and anatomist, Leonardo's most enduring legacy is founded in his inventions and designs. Leonardo da Vinci's Machines in Motion will bring to west Michigan the largest exhibition of full-size machine replicas constructed according to da Vinci's famous codices. On display will be a revolving crane, a full-size armored car, a working robot, four flying machines, a bicycle, a printing press, floats for walking on water, a parachute and a machine gun - built by a group of scientists and skilled craftsmen in Florence after an in-depth study of the master's design manuscripts.

Leonardo da Vinci's Machines in Motion presents 40 life-sized and fully operational artifacts, as opposed to miniatures or static displays, grouped into four sections based upon applications linked to the elements of air, water, land and fire. Most of the materials used in the construction of these machines, including wood, rope and glue, were available in da Vinci's era, and are the ones proposed by him in his codices. The machines were crafted by hand using tools prescribed by the master himself, and then reinforced for the traveling exhibition. Visitors are encouraged to touch and set the machines into motion, combining a fascinating hands-on experience with an exploration of the principles da Vinci employed to create each machine.

The Public Museum will offer educational and Planetarium programming in conjunction with the run of this exhibit, providing children and adults an engaging combination of education and entertainment in an experience that explores history, science, mechanics and physics, invention and innovation.

Leonardo da Vinci's Machines in Motion was created by Worldwide Museum Activities (WMA) and organized by Evergreen Exhibitions. The exhibit has appeared internationally in Athens, Istanbul and Mexico City to broad audiences, positive critical reviews and substantial media coverage. It is currently at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas as part of the traveling exhibit's North American tour.

The Public Museum is a collections-based educational organization that explores and celebrates the world and our place in it. Hours are Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. General Museum admission is Adults $8, Seniors $7 and Children $3. Members are free. For more information call 616/456-3977 or go to grmuseum.org.