Whether in fashion, home or family, anyone can relate with Leonardo Da Vinci when he said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Although, there is nothing simple about a genius mind. Da Vinci has thought of it all! A subject of many researches, projects, books, exhibits, and… museums, he is the ultimate Renaissance man.
Filipinos are offered a rare chance to experience and interact with the mind of a genius. The Mind Museum gives us a chance to take a peek into his mind through his life and works ala Louvre. With the traveling exhibition developed by Grande Exhibitions Australia under the sponsorship of the Commune di Roma, Commune di Fireneze and Citta Di Venezia, prepare for a feast of the senses!
The Mind Museum at Taguig is the first world-class Science museum in the Philippines. Its vision is to be the country’s center for the public understanding of science, enthralling guests with its beauty, clarity and the intriguing character. Fully funded by private donations, this Php1 billion project benefited in its planning stage from international experts like the Science Centre Singapore and Jack Rouse Associates. Science Centre Singapore, one of the leading science centers in the world with 30 years of experience in operating a museum, was the planning consultant. The exhibition master plan was undertaken by Jack Rouse Associates (Cincinnati, Ohio, USA), recognized as among the top ten museum and theme park designers in the world. National Geographic Channel is an institutional partner who provided the museum its required different footage and stills for the exhibits.
I rounded up the kids last weekend to visit The Mind Museum. It was our first time. We were all excited!
Come join us in our tour:
All-access pass to The Mind Museum
Follow the leader!
We decided to explore the Da Vinci exhibit first before checking out the whole museum.
Did you know?
Only Da Vinci – The Genius has exhibits that were crafted by Italian artisans from the actual Da Vinci Museum in Rome, many using the same techniques and materials from the Renaissance period and also guided by world-renowned da Vinci experts. The exhibition is supplemented with well written, authentic and interpretive information to help guests appreciate and understand the multi-faceted Genius.
The Renaissance section
Check out the full-scale and blueprints of time-changing inventions like the helicopter, airplane, bicycle, parachute and submarine. These are but a few of the highlights!
Physics/Flight
The dream of human flight was already in the minds of engineers and inventors in the 15th century. But Leonardo was the first to look at the science of flight.
Aerial Screw – Children as far back as medieval times played with ‘whirligigs’, where blades on a central threaded shaft whirl around and move upwards. Leonardo probably drew on this idea for his concept of a rising screw. Four men on the central platform at the base pushed the bars in front of them to turn the shaft. As the linen-covered blades spun around, an upward push would be created. This machine, which would probably never have flown, has been identified as the ancestor of today’s helicopter.
My little pilot
Someone wants to join in the fun!
Mirrors Room – Have you ever stood in a place between two parallel mirrors and seen how your reflection is repeated going away from you in both directions, becoming smaller each time? The first image reflects you at the size you are; a second image is reflected back from the other mirror and is smaller; and this pattern continues in fact until infinity. In an eight-sided room with eight flat mirrors as the walls, Leonardo noted that if a person stood inside, he “will be able to see every part (of himself) endless times”.
The ultimate ‘selfie’ room!
Throughout his life, Leonardo worked on many different kinds of engineering projects, inventing machines to make work tasks more efficient. He designed hoists for lifting heavy materials, cranes, drills and excavators, among many others.
My future architect was teaching his nannies how things work. Haha
Civil
The Ideal City
Codices
Scientific and technical observations are found in Leonardo’s handwritten manuscripts, of which over 6,000 pages survive. Presently, there are ten known codices containing his sketches and notes.
Hydraulic and Aquatic
Leonardo excelled at hydraulic engineering, and believed water to be the fundamental driver of nature. He drew analogies between the actions of water and air, studying waves and air currents.
Hydraulic and Aquatic Machines
The Epperson kids checking out other Da Vinci works
Some cool dude blocking our view. LOL
Military Engineering
War created new mechanical and strategic challenges, and some of Leonardo’s most inventive activities focused on weapons of war.
Multi-Directional Gun Machine – Leonardo wanted to increase the rate that weapons could be fired, so he designed machines with multiple cannons. These are perhaps the forerunner of the modern machine gun. This machine had cannons arranged in the shape of a fan. It could fire single shots or simultaneous rounds of fire.
Must watch: The Last Supper Video on New Perspectives
The writings on the wall. LOL
My reco:
Take advantage and listen to The Mind Museum’s Mind Movers or resident scientists. They are friendly and knowledgeable. They will further enrich your exploration with fun science shows, experiments and conversations.
Tips:
• Immerse yourself in several themed areas: Military Engineering, Music and Optical, Renaissance Art, Hydraulic and Aquatic, Physics, Flight, Civil, Anatomy and Codices
• Encounter interactive inventions studied from the codices and built in Italy as original items. Guests can touch, push and pull many exhibits for better understanding.
• Includes life-size flying and war machines
• Explore video presentations of famous works such as The Last Supper, Vitruvian Man, the great Sforza Horse sculpture, with never before seen perspectives
• See actual size reproductions of famous paintings, including the controversial new Leonardo discovery “Bella Principessa”
• Get an up-close look at Leonardo’s Codices – reproductions made in Milan, remarkably looking like originals
• Watch a special BBC Documentary on the life of Leonardo da Vinci – The Man Who Wanted to Know EverythingVisit Da Vinci – The Genius and perspectives will definitely change beyond the Mona Lisa smile!Scope it:Discover your inner renaissance man. Kids and adults will enjoy this place. The Mind Museum is sure to inspire and provoke you to continue exploring and asking questions.My kids, helpers and I had a fun and learning experience exploring the Da Vinci exhibit! We explored the other parts of the museum after.
My kids had fun with the interactive displays and gadgets.
Mababaw lang kaligayahan ng mga anak ko. LOL
Kids are like moths to a fire, basta may bumbilya, nandoon sila!
I liked this giant chocolate bar in the beginning until I saw the bangaw. Ew.
My son liked drawing the electronic bridge. We spent a long time here. Haaay! Let’s move on, Dylan!
Dylan: “Too much mirrors!”
You’re the fairest of them all, Aryanna!
Shoppingero? Alam na, mana-mana! LOL
Kids and adults will enjoy this exhibit. The Mind Museum is sure to inspire and provoke you to continue exploring and asking questions.
Check out and experience the Da Vinci premier exhibition starting September 1 – November 30, 2013 at The Mind Museum, Special Exhibition Hall!
Buy your tickets now!
Ticket Purchases: (via www.tickets.themindmuseum.org or museum ticket booth)Da Vinci only: Php 250 (Adult); Php 200 (Children/Students)
3-hour Museum + Da Vinci: Php 800 (Adult); Php 600 (Children/Private school
students); Php 300 (Public school students and teachers)
All-Day Museum + Da Vinci: Php 950