Dedicated to exploring the life of arguably the greatest creative genius the world has ever known, THE LUME Melbourne is thrilled to announce the opening of “Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius” in March 2024. This unparalleled experience promises to be the most ambitious, immersive, and breathtaking yet.
It’s been two years since Van Gogh at THE LUME forever changed how art is experienced in Australia, presenting masterpieces such as “Starry Nights” in an accessible way that captivated audiences. Now, get ready to step inside the world’s most famous works of art as Mona Lisa and The Last Supper come to life on THE LUME’s colossal canvas at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This ground-breaking presentation allows visitors to be immersed in the grandeur and intricacies of these masterpieces, providing an intimate encounter with the brilliance of Leonardo’s artistry not possible in traditional museum settings.
Leonardo da Vinci, an artist, inventor, scientist, philosopher, and musician, transcends his era. Not only did he create masterpieces never surpassed for their beauty, technique, and anatomical accuracy, but his pioneering contributions in architecture, engineering, and even flight laid the foundations for many modern innovations, making his influence more profound and far-reaching than anyone who has followed.
As with all experiences at THE LUME, this isn’t your typical stroll through an art gallery. Prepare to enter a world where the lines between art and reality blur. Engage all your senses with sights, sounds, scents, touch, and taste as you navigate through the vast 3,000m² multi-sensory gallery. The intricate chronological narrative, woven through the streets of Florence, the canals of Venice, and the grandeur of Milan, recreates the ambiance of the Renaissance. It is meticulously curated to unveil the life and human side of Leonardo. Gain a profound understanding of his inspirations, innovations, and enduring impact as you explore this immersive experience.
“Leonardo da Vinci’s contributions to art, science, and innovation are immeasurable and continue to shape our modern world,” says Bruce Peterson, Owner and CEO of THE LUME Melbourne. “We aim to provide a unique and immersive experience that not only celebrates the genius of Leonardo but also underscores the relevance of his ideas in the contemporary landscape. As a pioneer in bridging art and technology, THE LUME Melbourne is honored to bring Leonardo’s legacy to life in a way that engages, inspires, and resonates with audiences of all ages.”
Building on the success of Emily’s Wall and the Gallery of Original Art at THE LUME’s current experience Connection, the Leonardo da Vinci digital experience will be enriched with a range of significant artifacts. Central to the experience is a journey through the mind of a master inventor with an awe-inspiring display of 50 “machine inventions.” These inventions, painstakingly crafted by skilled Italian artisans commissioned to study and construct Leonardo’s sketches, offer a tangible connection to the ingenious spirit of the Renaissance. Among them will be flying machine concepts that predate the realization of human flight by more than 400 years.
Another key component of the experience is dedicated to the pioneering work of French Optical Engineer Mr. Pascal Cotte, consultant to The Louvre Museum. Cotte’s research peels back the layers of Mona Lisa, revealing previously hidden details. “The results shatter many myths and alter our vision of Leonardo’s masterpiece forever,” says Cotte. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the only exact 360º replica in the world of the famed painting, made from Cotte’s one-of-a-kind research, with her front, back, and sides revealed in stunning detail.
Expanding the immersive journey into the broader Renaissance period, a sub-feature nestled within the main experience will showcase the brilliance of Leonardo’s contemporaries who also left an indelible mark on art history. From Botticelli’s ethereal “The Birth of Venus” to Michelangelo’s transcendent Sistine Chapel ceiling, and the gripping works of Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentileschi, prepare to be transported through the artistic marvels of the Italian Renaissance.
In an exciting partnership that unites cutting-edge engineering with the arts, Webuild proudly joins forces with THE LUME Melbourne to bring “Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius” to life. This groundbreaking experience will surely captivate audiences, offering a unique and profound exploration of Leonardo’s legacy.
Stay tuned for more spectacular announcements and details about Renaissance-themed dining at THE LUME Melbourne. Get ready to embark on a journey into the mind of a genius and witness the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci like never before.