Painter, sculptor, engineer, musician, architect, inventor and philosopher - of all the many outstanding personalities to ever flourish in Europe, Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519) is beyond doubt the most eclectic. One of the most famous geniuses of all times, an exhibition celebrating this exceptional European is currently running as part of the festivities to mark the EU’s 50th birthday.
On display in the world’s fifth largest church - the Koekelberg Basilica in Brussels - until 15 March 2008, the exhibition covers an area of 3 000m2, brimming with original paintings, drawings, manuscripts, models and creations derived from his research in all fields of scientific knowledge.
The exhibition presents some of the most exquisite masterpieces created by Da Vinci, including the first public showing of the painting of Mary Magdalene, and inventions such as the first aeroplane, the mobile floating bridge and the helicopter rotor blade. Following Leonardo’s tracks, visitors will discover the life of this extraordinary man, from childhood and education to his final working years spent in the Loire valley under the protection of King Francis I of France.
