You might have heard that the famous 15th century artist Leonardo da Vinci did more than paint famous artworks such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. He was also was a great inventor and scientific investigator. The Leonardo da Vinci Machines Exhibition is currently being held in Perth to demonstrate some of his inventions and design ideas which use his original drawings to recreate and bring these plans to life.
The exhibition is held on the lawn not far from the Bell Tower in a self contained marquee. I must admit, this is a beautiful location with breath taking views of the city buildings and Swan River.
Admission price is $20 for adults, $10 for kids, which I thought was a little on the expensive side for an exhibition, which, although interesting, is not that big. But then, compared to entry fee to the boring ol’ Bell Tower ($10) it is good value!
Aiyo! Cost more than the Boatshow!
Leonardo’s Glider…At last, bald men can fly.
Leonardo’s glider bears an uncanny resemblance to a modern day hang glider. He was certainly on the right track with this design. Maybe he should have started making these and sold them to the rich and famous of the day… would have made a small fortune! Wow just imagine the law suits when one crashed. Leonardo recommends testing flying devices over a suitable lake… and also carry a long wineskin as a girdle in case you fall in. This will apparently save you from drowning. A wineskin as a girdle?? 
I must remember that next time I fly.
The famous air-screw machine concept. But later gained popularity as a beach umbrella.
Above is the full scale da Vinci Glider. Hmm…I can just imagine some Ewoks from Return of Jedi flying on this.
This wing design never really caught on. But made a mighty fine fly swatter.
DIY(do it yourself) Parachute. Sigh! I’m too lazy.
This is a wind-up car intended as a stage prop. Emission free motoring.
Hydraulic wood saw. Great to cut wood for the BBQ.
Concept bicycle. Rejected because of uncomfortable seat.
Boat with multiple cannons. Easy shooting.
Leonardo designed many military machines, such as the boat pictured above. He also drew up plans of a design of what would eventually become the modern day tank.
Chain driven gears.
Design for Ball Bearings.
Leonardo shopped at IKEA
Many of the machines you can touch and operate such as this hammer machine.
Watch the documentary about Leonardo then buy the DVD.
Sponsor of the exhibition, SEW’s giant gearbox. These guys seemed think it’s more interesting than Leonardo’s work.
A water pump design with crank handle.
No.. it’s not a bug catcher it’s an inclinometer.
The exhibition is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm
28th March to 21st July 2008. Tickets at the door.
HAHhahah beach umbrella
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this is a really cool site