The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is preparing to mount its most ambitious project since opening its doors in 1986. Da Vinci - the Genius, opening on February 10, 2018, is the most comprehensive exploration of Leonardo da Vinci’s work ever created.

The exhibition was produced by Grande Exhibitions of Australia and promises a blockbuster experience for the people of New Mexico. Yes!, the exhibit includes a life-like copy and a stunning, in-depth analysis of the uber-famous “Mona Lisa,” and so much more.

Termed a “full-spectrum da Vinci exhibition experience,” this world-class, interactive expo showcases the full range of da Vinci’s genius from inventor to engineer, from architect to philosopher and beyond, with 17 themed areas of his brilliant work. Included are da Vinci’s first concepts of a car, bicycle, helicopter, submarine . . . as well as life-size machine inventions, faithfully recreated by Italian artisans, that welcome visitors’ hands-on, interactive involvement. There’s something for all ages and all interests in this unparalleled look inside the mind of the ultimate Renaissance man who laid the groundwork for some of modern society’s most impactful inventions.

And what a perfect moment in which to celebrate this consummate Italian Renaissance man in New Mexico! While Da Vinci – the Genius (Feb 10 – Jun 29) looks back 500 years at Leonardo’s remarkable influence on contemporary culture, the NM Italian Film & Culture Festival embarks on its annual run (Mar 13 – Mar 18) to showcase that contemporary culture - Italian style - through food, music and contemporary Italian film. Talks between Museum folks and Festival folks are underway to cross-promote and con-celebrate the old and the new through these two outstanding Italian events.

www.nmnaturalhistory.org

www.italianfestivalsnm.org