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Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Milan

22nd November 2006

Housing over 10,000 and focusing on subjects ranging from astronomy to information technology, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology gives visitors unrivalled access to centuries of technological innovation.

The museum itself is housed in the old convent of San Vittore, which has been standing since the early 16th century. But the museum's remit extends even further back, giving guests the chance to examine innovations in physics, navigation and transport from as far back as the 15th century.

The emphasis is on enjoyment and interaction, with early jet planes and sailing ships rubbing shoulders with a series of contemporary experiments which encourage visitors to try their hand at robotics and even biotechnological experiments. Simpler tasks such as making foamy beer are, unsurprisingly, just as popular.

Over 23,000 square metres of exhibition space mean that the museum's collections are among the most comprehensive in the world, and added attractions come courtesy of the world's most celebrated Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci.

The Leonardo da Vinci Gallery is rightly acknowledged as the museum's key feature, and contains over 15,000 of da Vinci's ideas for inventions, many of which have now been constructed within the hall. Famous examples of his pioneering ideas include the helicopter and the parachute, with vital contributions also being made to fields such as mechanics, anatomy and optics.

More than 100 models are available to examine and even operate, with the famous device for testing beating wings being a favourite among the museum's numerous guests. Such interactive elements have proved vital to the attraction's continued success, as visitors enjoy the unique charms of a museum dedicated to progress located in a distinctly historic setting.

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