Creativity in Leonardo da Vinci knew no bounds. His restless intellect, fueled by curiosity and a close observation of everything around him, marked him as one of history’s greatest minds. The exhibit invites visitors to explore how he reasoned, reflected, and pushed forward scientific progress. Leonardo da Vinci is the focus of this year’s informative show presented by the Fundación la Caixa in Playa de San Juan.
This marks the second major presentation of the Italian genius in Alicante this summer, aligning with what is on display at the Provincial Palace. While offering reproductions of some of his most remarkable machines, the collaboration between the La Caixa Foundation and the Alicante City Council aims to bring Da Vinci’s dream to life through new technologies, available through August 30.
The exhibition seeks to connect daily life with Da Vinci’s working method through hands-on, analog and digital games that invite visitors to investigate and discover problem-solving approaches, explained Erika Goyarrolacurator, who has led a multidisciplinary team for over two years in collaboration with the site where the genius lived and now Leonardo da Vinci Park, a reference hub for this figure.
The showcase is housed inside the enclosure. Seven interactive games help visitors understand and explore Da Vinci’s achievements. It is about stepping into his mind, one of the era’s greatest capacities, and learning to think like him by drawing analogies to move forward.
Handle with Dudamel or get into a violin
The display demonstrates how Da Vinci linked elements that are not immediately visible. Focusing on four female portraits by the artist, it trains the eye to appreciate touch as a way to know, and it investigates concepts of light and shadow that characterize his work.
Another game can be played as a team, presenting Da Vinci’s mechanisms to reinforce the idea that science and technology advance through collaboration. It also tests observational skills and memory of his works.
The experience continues outside with four full-scale models, iron-plated and fiberglass-built, drawn from original sketches by Da Vinci but crafted with contemporary materials. The curator notes that Da Vinci left behind an immense archive, including thousands of pages of writings and drawings that informed these recreations.
Mockups include an air screw, a theoretical Archimedean screw, portraits illustrating the Vitruvian balance of architecture and the human form, a possible flying machine inspired by birds, and a rowing craft that hints at the early stages of steam-powered vessels.
Agreement with the City Council
The La Caixa Foundation will sign a cooperation agreement with the Alicante City Council to implement the Caixa Proinfancia program in the city. This initiative focuses on comprehensive support for children in need, ages 0-18.
Lourdes Toribio, regional delegate for Fundación la Caixa in the Community of Valencia, attended the exhibition opening alongside a member of the Cultural Council and a CaixaBank executive, confirming ongoing collaboration.
The program, with a budget of one hundred thousand euros, aims to empower education, provide psychological support, and assist with hygiene and nutrition for fifty families in the Northern District.