From Saturday, May 24, 2025, through Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Hi-Desert Nature Museum will present Leonardo’s Lab, organized by Carnegie Science Center and presented by Sciencenter. This exhibition offers young artists and inventors a chance to immerse themselves in the mind of Leonardo da Vinci, the original ‘Renaissance Man.’ They will explore all the fascinating facets of his work across multiple disciplines in very hands-on ways, as they build, sketch, test and design via activities tied to his era and ideas. Children and adults both will find the brain challenges, opportunities for creative expression, and intriguing ideas appealing.
The exhibition includes interactive science and art exhibits, including:
Entry Piece – Both entry sign and double-sided fun photo-op, these pieces allow guests to have a photo taken (by family member or friend) of their face as the Mona Lisa or Leonardo himself!
Gears ‘n Pegs – Mix and match three ratio-coordinated gears to create your own 2D and 3D interlocking mechanisms.
Bridging the Gap – Recreate Leonardo’s amazing tool-and-hardware-free interlocking bridge.
Take Flight – Using a preprinted template, cut out and fold your own air-powered flying ‘copter, then modify to change or improve the aerodynamics.
Mona Lisa X4 – Four different art activities – Draw, Color, Stamp, Rub result in your very own Mona Lisa masterpiece!
Mirror Writing – Leonardo used his own reverse-print code to keep his ideas confidential. Try your hand – literally – at writing backwards so it seems correct when viewed in a mirror.
The exhibition will be open during the Museum’s normal operating hours, Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On display May 24, 2025 – September 6, 2025
Developed by Carnegie Science Center and produced in partnership with the Sciencenter.
