Da Vinci: The Genius

Anyone interested in Renaissance history, science, clockpunk or steampunk should enjoy this.

Da Vinci: The Genius exhibit Brussels Belgium
Da Vinci: The Genius exhibit at the Stock Exchange in Brussels, Belgium, July 24 (Hilde Heyvaert)

This particular exhibit of Leonardo Da Vinci’s life and work has visited a great many of cities before, delighting fans of both Da Vinci himself, science and clockpunk around the globe, before taking its current stop in the capital of Belgium.

The exhibit has been very well set up. They start by explaining the purpose of the exhibit as well as the reason for the use of the replicas on display. I’m sure that some will be bothered by the use of copies, but, to be honest, it is so well put together that no one should let the lack of originals get to them.

While every visitor is equipped with an audio guide (included in the ticket price), there are cleverly placed signs with key info about each display for those who prefer just the summary instead of listening to the full explanation.

Once past the introductions, the real works begin. Starting with the master’s famous flying machines, going over in his engineering, war machines, hydraulics, architectural and even musical designs, as well as his art and famous anatomical drawings.

It’s great to see so many of Da Vinci’s sketches finally come to life, even if it’s on a scaled-down model, because it allows us to finally see what he intended on building and how some of his inventions are clear predecessors of things we use or know in our own lives.

The exhibit is presented in a way that not only fans of the artist can enjoy it. Anyone interested in Renaissance history, science, clockpunk or steampunk should be able to appreciate the exhibit.

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