Leonardo da Vinci, Machines and inventions

Visiting the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Machines is an engaging experience for everyone, but especially for children and teenagers. They not only get to visually discover the most famous inventions of the Florentine genius but also interact with them by manually operating the mechanisms.

I highly recommend this guided tour: an ideal activity for families with children in Florence, both educational and entertaining!

Florence tours with kids. Discover Leonardo’s war machines

The model of the tank is a must-see. This war machine, equipped with numerous cannons, has a circular shape made of wood protected by metal plates and is powered and operated from within. Leonardo’s era was marked by wars, moving armies, and constant threats. Working for the Duke of Milan was one of the great inventor’s ambitions. Below is an excerpt from his 1482 letter to Ludovico Sforza, known as “Il Moro,” where Leonardo presented himself not as an artist but as an engineer and inventor, specializing in weapons and war machines:

“I can make covered chariots, safe and unassailable, which, entering among the enemy with their artillery, will break through even large masses of troops. And behind these, infantry can follow unharmed and without any hindrance.”

Was Leonardo da Vinci really so eager for war? Not exactly. He simply wanted a position at the Duke’s court. In fact, Leonardo described war as “the most bestial madness.”

The Flying Man

Throughout his life, Leonardo was fascinated by the idea of flight. He conducted experiments in Milan and later in Florence, designing various types of flying machines. The flight of birds was a constant source of inspiration. From Montececeri, near Fiesole, an apprentice launched himself with wings built by Leonardo. The flight ended in a fall, but fortunately, the young man escaped with only a few broken bones.

The Diver

The museum also features a model of a diving suit designed by Leonardo. The body would be fully harnessed and covered, with various features to counteract pressure and a reserve air bag for extended underwater time. It even included a container for urine!

And what was the purpose of such a device? To explore the seabed—but also, in the event of naval battles, to sabotage enemy ships!

Notes

Info

  • What you will see Leonardo interactive museum
  • Topics covered inventions, machines, Leonardo da Vinci, renaissance
  • Suitable for families with kids, appropriate age 8 and up
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