Resident immersive digital art gallery THE LUME at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) will debut its fourth exhibition in the space in March 2024, Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius.
The towering wrap-around experience will see da Vinci’s work cover 3,000m2 of exhibition space and include tangible models of 50 of his creations as an inventor, as well as an incredible deconstruction of the Mona Lisa.
On loan from the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome, the exhibition will feature recreations of 50 of da Vinci’s inventions, crafted by Italian artisans using – as much as possible – materials and techniques that would have been available to the inventor in the 15th century. Among the models is a concept for a flying machine, dreamt up 400 years before human flight was achieved.
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius will also showcase more than 15 years of work by French optical engineer Pascal Cotte, who invented a multispectral camera, which can expose layers of the Mona Lisa not visible in the finished painting. Cotte’s work will also deliver a precise 360 degree view of the Mona Lisa, expanding the experience of the original artwork.
“Leonardo da Vinci’s contributions to art, science and innovation are immeasurable and continue to shape our modern world,” said owner and CEO of THE LUME MELBOURNE, Bruce Peterson.
“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 honoured to bring Leonardo’s legacy to life in a way that engages, inspires and resonates with audiences of all ages.”
Located within MCEC, THE LUME will continue to operate as an after-hours event space for groups, offering an opportunity to feast, drink and network amongst da Vinci’s art and inventions, or remake the space completely with tailored corporate branding.
