SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 17, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The Leonardo science, art and technology museum downtown has opened an original interactive exhibition which takes visitors into the world and ecosystem of flight.
“Flight,” which has been two years in the making, boasts a full-sized C-131 aircraft at its center. Visitors are invited to climb in, on or around the aircraft in order to learn exactly what makes it fly.
In addition, the exhibit boasts interactive pieces, two flight simulators and a piece titled “The Tunnel of Dreams” in which visitors can watch the July 20, 1969 moon landing. The flight simulators, made especially for the museum by aircraft specialist Rockwell Collins, are the same ones that modern pilots train in.
“I am extremely proud of the work we’ve done on ‘Flight,'” said Alexandra Hesse, executive director of The Leonardo.
“When we set out to create this exhibit, we wanted to make something that would encourage people to think as Leonardo da Vinci thought, and explore the world in new and exciting ways. I’m thrilled to share this tremendous exhibit with the people of Utah.
“‘Flight’ represents a lot of hard work, but it truly has been a labor of love,” said Hesse. “Since we opened The Leonardo five years ago, we’ve been growing and changing as a museum, and the opening of ‘Flight’ marks a true turning point. Like da Vinci, we’re always trying to expand our horizons and hope our visitors will do the same right alongside us.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski said she enjoyed her tour.
“I have spent some time touring this exhibit with my family,” she said. “This extraordinary new exhibit puts Salt Lake City on the map. The Leonardo is an art studio, it is also a science lab, it is also the workshop of dreams.”
Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams said Salt Lake County is a strong supporter of The Leonardo’s work.
“Not only will this exhibit rival the scale of the largest travelling exhibits, it was built right here in our community, by our community, for our community,” he said.
“Flight will be on display for the next five years. Corporate and community partners for the exhibit include Merit Medical.
The Leonardo aims to blend art, science and technology by asking visitors to think like the artist and engineer da Vinci. The mission of the museum is to help learners of all ages make connections between disparate disciplines. For more information and tickets, visit theleonardo.org.
