
- Oct 26, 2025-May 3, 2026
- 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- The Gallery by General MotorsHenry Ford Museum of American Innovation
- Free for members or with museum admission.

DaVinci The Exhibition is a detailed exploration of the life and work of the ultimate Renaissance man. Step into the world of Leonardo da Vinci through full-scale inventions, intricate art studies and stunning displays. This limited-time exhibition brings to life da Vinci’s discoveries in art, engineering, science, flight and more to celebrate and study one of history's most brilliant minds.
Each invention in this 7,500-square-foot exhibition was handcrafted by skilled artisans following da Vinci's original two-dimensional drawings and modern translations of his Codices — comprehensive collections containing nearly all of his sketches, notes and ideas.
Exhibit Highlights
- 65+ full-scale inventions, with machines designed for military use, civil engineering, flight, music-making and more.
- 20+ fine art studies, including investigation of masterpieces like “Mona Lisa,” “The Last Supper” and “Virgin of the Rocks” ─ as well as some debated works attributed to da Vinci.
- In-depth explanations of da Vinci's famous studies on subjects like the golden ratio and the “Vitruvian Man,” including enlargements of his sketches and notes.
- Select interactive machines, including a room of mirrors, rope pulleys and more.
- Multimedia materials that illuminate da Vinci's creative process and scientific discoveries.
Featured Programs
Hands-On Activities
Daily, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., The Gallery by General Motors
Get an extra dose of da Vinci with two additional daily hands-on activities. Learn about the science of da Vinci's inventions with a staff-led STEM activity, then practice your art skills at our self-portrait station.
Simple Machines All Around Us: An Exploration Guide
Daily, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Explore the museum and investigate the fascinating world of simple machines from da Vinci to today with this digital exploration guide.
Da Vinci's Decoders Scavenger Hunt
Mar. 28-Apr. 5, daily 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., starts outside The Gallery by General Motors
Leonardo left behind a secret chest, only to be opened by the savviest of sleuths! Can you search the museum to find the answers and become one of da Vinci's decoders?
Invention Convention Michigan
Saturday, Apr. 25, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Move over, da Vinci. It's time for these young inventors to shine! Stop by the 2026 Invention Convention Michigan competition, presented by Delta Dental, to see creations by young inventors from around the state.
Expand Your Experience
Taste the Past in Plum Market Kitchen
Enjoy Renaissance-inspired cuisine in Plum Market Kitchen at the museum throughout the run of DaVinci The Exhibition. Lunch is served daily 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Da Vinci Treasures
Find inspirational toys, books, models and more in our Genius At Play store on-site, or shop online.
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