Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibit

We stopped by the Da Vinci exhibit at the Denver Pavilions yesterday. On display there are over 60 recreations of Da Vinci original machines – many believed to never have been executed before. From his fertile mind sprang ideas for gears, bearings, chains, and flight. Although the tools and materials available during his day (late 15^th century) were inadequate to realize many of his inventions, the ideas were sound.

For instance, he developed plans for a bicycle, the rear wheels connected to the operator's pedaled crankshaft via a flat chain – a chain that would have been impossible to make in his day, but closely resembles early bicycle (and other machinery) chains.

Some of the best aspects of the exhibit are those interactive inventions sprinkled throughout. I took the kids, and they marveled as they played with gear systems, chain systems, bearings, and thoroughly enjoyed assembling the interlocking bridge that requires no fasteners. Of course, too, they wanted to spend much more than time than would have been polite in the 360 degree mirror room whereupon we could all gaze upon our backsides...(And see, for once, what really was behind our ears!)

They give guided tours every hour, and we drew a student art major who propelled us around the exhibits with her animated explanations, her easy knowledge, and her nearly breathless wonder at the accomplishments of the man: Whether the leap in progress was mechanical, imagination, or artistic, her enthusiasm was infectious, especially for the kids. Written placards next to exhibits really are no match for the spoken account from a knowledgeable guide – especially when the guide will entertain questions.

Naturally, on the way out, we stopped by the gift shop to see if there was something which would help us remember our trip. Puzzles, games, models of the machines, t-shirts: It seemed they had it all. But the item that intrigued my son the most was a simple black notebook: faux leather outer binding yellow, parchment-like pages. I purchased each of the children one, along with M. Gelb's book, “How to Think Like Da Vinci.”

The inspiration from the trip was on full display today. Early this morning my 12-year-old mastered writing in mirror script to be more fully like Da Vinci. Then, after reading a chapter of the book, he started imagining, writing, drawing in his 'notebook', creating his inventions. Later he tried bringing one to life (with modest success!), illustrating that often the best gift we can give our children is a blank book along with the permission to fill it up with their ideas, their imaginings, their life (along with the necessary string, tape, glue, cardboard, etc.!)

Da Vinci didn't start receiving a formal education until he was 14 years old. Prior to that he developed his process of disassembling, assembling, drawing, thinking, and learning about the ways in which the world works and how to illustrate them, and how to combine known parts into previously unknown creations. He didn't suffer under the need to get an 'A': he was driven, it appears, from a formidable curiosity, and perhaps the realization that, as a bastard child, without learning all he could, making his way in the world may have been very difficult. It is hard to know what drove him, but if even a little of that drive and inquisitiveness can be transferred to our children, and will stick, then Da Vinci and those who brought the modern exhibit to life are my newest heroes.