In a historic moment, THE LUME Melbourne is set to host an unprecedented event, welcoming original pages from Leonardo da Vinci’s priceless Codex Atlanticus to Australian shores for the first time. As these invaluable pages touch down on March 9, they will be on display to the public from March 16, coinciding with the grand opening of the immersive experience “Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius” presented by Webuild.
This monumental occasion signifies a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to step into the life and world of Leonardo, featuring these irreplaceable original pages from the Codex Atlanticus, meticulously penned by the master himself.
THE LUME Melbourne’s newest experience promises to be the most ambitious and immersive yet, transcending generations and offering captivating elements for all ages. Among its highlights, visitors can marvel at to-scale machine inventions brought to life by Italian artisans from the pages of Leonardo’s codices, behold the only exact 360º replica of Mona Lisa in the world, immerse themselves in a brand new multi-sensory gallery spanning 3000 sqm, engage with cutting-edge AI and VR interactive technologies breathing life into the master’s iconic work, savor a Renaissance-themed culinary experience in Caffé Medici, and much more.
As visitors traverse through the streets of Florence, the canals of Venice, the history of Rome, the grandeur of Milan, and culminate their journey in Amboise, France – mirroring Leonardo’s own travels – they will gain a profound understanding of the inspirations, innovations, and enduring impact of the maestro.
The Codex Atlanticus stands as an unedited look inside the mind of the world’s greatest genius. It comprises Leonardo da Vinci’s largest existing collection of drawings and written notes, spanning from 1478 to 1519, the year of his passing. Housed in Milan’s Biblioteca Ambrosiana since 1637, this treasure trove of visionary ideas reflects the genius’s fascination with a diverse array of subjects, encompassing architecture, engineering, flying machines, hydraulic systems, and more. Each page bears witness to Leonardo’s pioneering spirit, positioned centuries ahead of his time as he sought to reshape the physical world through his groundbreaking designs and inventions.
This unparalleled feat follows over a decade of dedicated relationship-building with Biblioteca Ambrosiana, the custodians of much of Leonardo’s legacy in Milan. Grande Experiences, the Melbourne-based creators of THE LUME, have gone to extraordinary lengths to secure these priceless treasures, leveraging their long-standing presence in Italy as the owners and operators of Rome’s Museo Leonardo da Vinci to facilitate this extraordinary endeavor.
Bruce Peterson, Founder of THE LUME Melbourne, remarks, “These pages from the Codex Atlanticus represent not just a collection of sketches and writings but a gateway into the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci’s mind. Their arrival in Australia is profound, allowing visitors to explore Leonardo in a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
Notably, the entire endeavor, including the intricate logistics and comprehensive insurance coverage, has been privately funded, underscoring THE LUME’s exceptional commitment to independently bring this cultural moment to fruition.
“Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius” presented by Webuild opens at THE LUME Melbourne, permanently located at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, on March 16, 2024. Adult tickets start from $49.90. For more information and tickets, please visit thelumemelbourne.com