After years of sensational digital art experiences, like Monet & Friends, Van Gogh, and Connection, The LUME is dazzling us once more with their most ambitious experience yet. Take a journey back in time, and explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Step into the 3,000m² space, and watch some of the worlds most famous artworks come to life, like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Then, soar above Florence in a thrilling VR experience, marvel at drawings from the Codex Atlanticus, see a 360º replica of Mona Lisa, feast in Caffè Medici and more. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is now open at The LUME.
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius at The LUME
Da Vinci Remixed
Stay out late and experience the exhibition in a whole new way with Da Vinci Remixed. Listen as renowned DJs remix Italian operatic scores with modern beats. As you take in the stunning surrounds of the gallery space, and vibe to the tunes, indulge in a curated selection of Sofi Spritz cocktails, Pidapipo gelato and antipasto platters.
The first night will take place on Thursday July 4, and feature Melbourne-based DJ, Flex Mami. The next event will take place on Thursday July 11, with multidisciplinary artist Tanzer. Hear them seamlessly fuse Italian opera with energetic pop, RnB, house and disco tracks.
These events will run from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and cost $49.90. Learn more here.
The exhibition
Explore the many facets of da Vinci’s genius as an artist, inventor, scientist, philosopher and musician. Unlike other traditional museum settings, you’ll engage all your senses in this unforgettable experience. See his works come alive on a colossal digital canvas. Feel swept away to the Renaissance, and explore the streets of Florence, the canals of Venice and the grandeur of Milan through sight, sound, scent, touch and taste.
“Leonardo da Vinci’s contributions to art, science and innovation are immeasurable and continue to shape our modern world,” said 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 honoured to bring Leonardo’s legacy to life in a way that engages, inspires and resonates with audiences of all ages.”
Mona Lisa
One part of the experience is dedicated to French Optical Engineer Pascal Cotte, consultant to The Louvre Museum. Cotte invented the multispectral camera, a device that can scan from ultraviolent through to infrared. It’s thanks to Cotte that we can peel back the layers of Mona Lisa and reveal previously hidden details, including the original colour of the famous painting.
“The results shatter many myths and alter our vision of Leonardo’s masterpiece forever,” said Cotte.
See the only exact 360º replica of the Mona Lisa painting made from his research. Mona Lisa’s front, back and sides are revealed from the 240,000,000 pixel multispectral camera.
Machine inventions
You’ll see a display of 40 “machine inventions”, which will be on loan from the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome. Skilled Italian artisans were commissioned to study and construct inventions from da Vinci’s sketches. These creations used, where possible, techniques and materials that would have been available to da Vinci in fifteenth-century Italy. Among the inventions are flying machine concepts that predate human flight by over 400 years.
VR Florence Flyover
Live out Leonardo’s dream of flying like a bird, and soar over Renaissance Florence in this remarkable VR experience. Admire the historic city from above, flap your ‘wings’ and feel the wind in this multi-sensory experience.
Caffè Medici
Feeling hungry? Stop by the Renaissance-themed dining area within The LUME, and enjoy a bite to eat against a backdrop of The Last Supper.
More interactive experiences
Ever wondered what it would have been like if Leonardo da Vinci made a sketch of you? Wonder no more, with this fusion of art and AI. Transform into a da Vinci sketch in the fun experience, Drawn by Leonardo.
Then, find your own connection to the Vitruvian Man, and find out how closely you align with this famous image. See how your proportions measure up and gain an understanding of symmetry, art and anatomy.
If you feel inspired, drop by the Artist Studio, follow along a guided video and make your own masterpiece.
Renaissance
Nestled in the main experience, you’ll also encounter the broader Renaissance period and discover the brilliance of da Vinci’s art contemporaries. Marvel at Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, the works of Caravaggio and more.