On Sunday 4 August 30 at 10.45, members and guests assembled outside Door 17 of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to visit this exhibition dedicated to exploring the life of the greatest creative genius the world has ever known, Leonardo da Vinci, arguably the Lume's most ambitious, immersive and breathtaking experience yet.
Via the wall projections we entered the narrative of Leonardo's life beginning in his birthplace, Vinci, and ending in Amboise, France, where he spent the last 20 years of his life, selling his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa (La Joconde), to his friend François 1; as well we visited Italian cities where he worked- Florence, Venice, Milan and saw his developing talent as an artist. This was followed by examples of works by other significant Italian artists who succeeded Leonardo such as Michelangelo, Titian, Botticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio, Giotto…plus an analysis of Leonardo's restored The Last Supper.
Moving to the room Mona Lisa Revealed devoted to the work of French Optical Engineer consultant to The Louvre Museum, Pascal Cotte and his ongoing discoveries that have resulted in creating the only exact 360º replica in the world of the famed painting as he has peeled back the layers of paint, revealing previously hidden details of the Mona Lisa.
As an artist, inventor, scientist, philosopher, musician, costume designer his insatiable curiosity spanning anatomy, engineering, flying machines, hydraulic systems, architecture, engineering ,flight and war machinery can be seen both in the upstairs gallery (where we are able to try out some of the inventions ) and in some rare original pages from his Codex Atlanticus notebooks.
A thoroughly enjoyable, enriching and informative AFTV Cultural /PL event where we were able to experience this man’s genius in so many areas inspiring visitors of all ages and subject areas.
Well worth organising a student excursion to experience this man's legacy.
Gretchen Bennett, Convenor, AFTV Cultural/PL events
At the Lume on Sunday 4 August I opted to thrust myself into the immersive world of a 3D virtual simulation transported me into the heart of Florence. As the simulation began, I found myself soaring above the terracotta rooftops, the vibrant cityscape unfolding beneath me. My journey starts over the iconic Duomo di Firenze, its magnificent dome, a beacon of Renaissance architecture. I glide past the Campanile di Giotto, the bell tower standing tall and majestic. The Arno River glistens below, its gentle curves guiding me towards the historic Ponte Vecchio, this medieval stone bridge is a wonderful sight.
As I fly, the wind rushes past, as the Basilica of Santa Croce comes into view, its façade a masterpiece of Gothic design. I dip lower, almost touching the rooftops, cracked tiles and centuries of stories to tell.
Suddenly, a flock of birds whizzes past me, with their wings flapping wildly as they navigate the breeze. I feel the rush of air as they pass by, adding to the thrill of my flight. The Palazzo Vecchio stands proudly in the distance, its tower piercing the sky. The simulation takes me over the Uffizi Gallery, where centuries of art history are housed within its walls. I can almost hear the whispers of the past as I glide by. The Piazza della Signoria opens up below, a grand stage for Florence's rich history.
As I circle back towards the river and the Ponte Vecchio my journey ends with a gentle descent, the rooftops of Florence fading into the distance.
The experience left me breathless, a vivid memory of a city so rich in history and beauty - époustouflant!
Veronica Deren, AFTV AFTV Cultural/PL sub-committee member
Curriculum Guides
Curriculum Guides (see below) have been prepared by THE LUME, detailing the relevance of Leonardo da Vinci to a variety secondary school subjects.
THIS ACTIVITY WAS PRESENTED AND SUBSIDISED BY THE AFTV(THROUGH DET FUNDING