Nature as Da Vinci's muse

Not only in the engineering design of bridges and architectural structures, such similarities to ancient Chinese innovations can also be found in the invention of war weapons and mechanical devices.

The exhibition displays Da Vinci's manuscripts with the designs in Wujing Zongyao, a collection of the most important military techniques written in 1044 during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). From the comparison on show, visitors can see that many war machines attributed to Da Vinci were similar to those invented by the Chinese hundreds of years ago before him.

This cross-disciplinary absorption and insight endow his works with a unique charm that transcended intellectual boundaries. All of these have opened up greater possibilities for exploring the exchange and integration of Chinese and Western cultures.

Another exhibit visitors cannot miss is an authentic Da Vinci masterpiece — Face of the Old Lady, dating to around 1490-1510, showcasing a caricatured head and bust of an old woman in profile facing right.

There are six groups of original ancient texts from home and abroad, 74 groups of digitally restored manuscripts, and four groups of digitally restored artworks on display. What's more, The Last Supper, an iconic painting by Da Vinci, was brought back to its former glory in the hall in scale 1:1, and 8 meters wide to show how the painting looked during the artist's lifetime.

Enhancing the scientific narrative, the museum contributes 70 exquisite specimens, being displayed alongside Da Vinci's sketches and reconstructed machines, creating a vivid dialogue between his visions and the natural phenomena that inspired them.

The exhibition leverages technology via mini-programs and interactive stations. Features include puzzle-solving games and DIY digital cultural creation activities, designed to deepen engagement, contextualize knowledge, and make learning dynamic — particularly for young audiences.