The Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia “Leonardo da Vinci” in Milan houses a remarkable collection of aircraft and aviation-related exhibits, showcasing the evolution of flight and Italy’s contributions to aviation history. As one of the most important museums of its kind in Italy, it celebrates the rich history of aviation and features models, full-sized aircraft, and artifacts related to both historical and modern aviation technologies.
Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnica Leonardo da Vinci
+39 02 485551
Tuesday – Friday 09:30 – 17:00
Saturday – Sunday and holidays 09:30 – 18:30
Closed on Mondays, December 25 and January 1
Admission fee
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
| MM81203/GdiF-126
– – – I-CIER/MM30030 I-FOGL 76 I-FARM MM6382/2-20 – MM9327/81-5 Ni 1467 I-TITI/MM253 – – I-PAIN | Agusta A109A-IIGdF
Bleriot XI Breda Ba.15 Caproni Campini CC.2 Cierva C.30A de Havilland DH80A Puss Moth de Havilland Vampire FB.5 Farman 1909 (replica) Fiat G91R/1B Forlanini Steam helicopter (1837) Macchi-Castoldi MC205V Veltro Macchi Nieuport Ni10 Muegyetemi M.24/Magni Vale PM3/4 Nardi FN. 333 Riviera Ricci 6 SAI Ambrosini S7 Super |
Key Information about the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia “Leonardo da Vinci”:
1. Location:
The museum is situated in Milan, Lombardy, Italy, housed in a former monastery of San Vittore that dates back to the 16th century. This central location makes it easily accessible and an excellent destination for those interested in the history of science, technology, and the evolution of human knowledge.
2. Historical Background:
The museum was founded in 1953 and is named after Leonardo da Vinci, the famous Renaissance artist, inventor, and scientist, who epitomized the intersection of art and science. The museum aims to showcase his legacy while exploring the broader field of scientific and technological development.
3. Main Themes and Exhibits:
The museum is vast and diverse, covering various aspects of science, technology, and engineering. Some of the key areas of focus include:
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Works and Machines: A significant portion of the museum is dedicated to Leonardo’s inventions, sketches, and machines. The collection features working models of Leonardo’s designs for flying machines, military devices, hydraulic systems, and more, demonstrating his extraordinary vision and creativity. Visitors can explore interactive displays that allow them to understand how these inventions might have worked.
- Transportation and Energy: The museum has extensive exhibits on the history of transportation, including railway engines, aircraft, ships, and automobiles. Visitors can learn about the technological innovations that have shaped modern transportation. The museum also covers energy technologies, including steam engines, electric motors, and solar power, showcasing the evolution of energy sources and their impact on society.
- Physics and Astronomy: There are interactive displays explaining key concepts in physics and astronomy, including the history of telescopes, the development of optics, and the study of space exploration. The museum also houses important scientific instruments that helped shape our understanding of the universe.
- Communication and Computing: The museum explores the history of telecommunications, radio, and television, as well as the development of computers and information technology. One notable exhibit is the collection of historic computers, illustrating the evolution of computing from early mechanical devices to modern-day systems.
- Materials and Manufacturing: The museum also showcases the evolution of materials science and industrial manufacturing, with exhibits on the development of textiles, metalworking, and chemical engineering.
- Interactive Exhibits and Educational Programs: The museum is designed to be interactive, with numerous exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. It has hands-on displays for children and educational workshops, making it an ideal destination for families, school groups, and those interested in learning about science and technology in a practical, engaging way.
4. Leonardo da Vinci’s Influence:
The museum emphasizes Leonardo’s extraordinary contributions to both art and science. It celebrates his visionary ideas, many of which were ahead of his time. The museum’s permanent collection includes models based on his sketches, such as the flying machine, the anemometer, and his studies on human anatomy and motion.
5. Special Exhibitions:
The Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia frequently hosts temporary exhibits focusing on contemporary scientific and technological issues. These exhibits cover cutting-edge developments in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainability, and space exploration. The museum also regularly organizes workshops, events, and conferences related to the latest scientific advancements.
Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia “Leonardo da Vinci” in Milan is the largest science and technology museum in Italy, and is dedicated to Italian painter and scientist Leonardo da Vinci.
The museum, in the ancient monastery of San Vittore al Corpo in Milan, is divided into seven main departments:
- Materials
- Transport
- Energy (including Thermal power station Regina Margherita)
- Communication
- Leonardo da Vinci, Art & Science
- New Frontiers
- Science for young people
Key Information about the Aircraft Collection
1. Leonardo da Vinci and the Dawn of Flight:
The museum emphasizes the influence of Leonardo da Vinci on the early development of flight, showcasing his visionary designs for flying machines, which were centuries ahead of their time. Leonardo’s sketches of machines such as the ornithopter (a flying device designed to mimic bird flight) are among the most iconic exhibits. Although his flying machines were never built or flown, they serve as a testament to his genius and early conceptualization of human flight. These designs are displayed as models, some of which are working replicas that demonstrate the concepts Leonardo proposed.
2. Historic Aircraft:
The museum’s collection includes a variety of historic aircraft that trace the development of aviation technology through the 20th century, particularly Italy’s contributions to aviation. Some notable pieces include:
- Early Aircraft Models: The museum showcases early pioneering airplanes from the early 1900s, such as the Savoia-Marchetti aircraft, highlighting Italy’s role in early aviation. The Savoia-Marchetti aircraft, built by the renowned Italian manufacturer Savoia-Marchetti, was one of the most important Italian contributions to aviation in the early 20th century, especially during World War I.
- World War I Aircraft: The museum also has several World War I-era airplanes, including models that were used during the conflict by the Italian Air Force and other nations. These planes were primarily used for reconnaissance, bombing, and dogfights, and they help illustrate the rapid advancements in aircraft technology during the war.
- Post-War Aircraft: Moving into the post-war era, the museum exhibits several military and civilian aircraft from the interwar period, showcasing how aviation technology evolved with the advent of commercial air travel and military aviation. Some of these include Italian-made aircraft used by the Regia Aeronautica (Royal Air Force of Italy).
3. Aviation Engines and Technology:
In addition to aircraft, the museum has a collection of aviation engines that were integral to the development of flight. These engines allow visitors to understand the technological breakthroughs that powered early airplanes and contributed to the development of faster, more reliable aircraft.
- Aircraft Engines: The museum exhibits several engines, including radial and jet engines, that powered planes throughout different periods of aviation history. These engines represent the significant technological advancements made in terms of speed, altitude, and fuel efficiency.
- Propellers and Flight Instruments: Visitors can see examples of early propellers, flight controls, and instruments used to navigate and control aircraft. The museum explains how these instruments evolved over time, providing a richer understanding of aviation technology.
4. Interactive Exhibits and Education:
The museum includes interactive displays related to aircraft and flight, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with the history of aviation in a hands-on way. The museum’s educational programs often focus on aviation, with workshops, guided tours, and special exhibitions aimed at promoting the understanding of flight technology and its historical significance.
5. Temporary Exhibitions:
Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia also hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to aviation and space exploration, often featuring cutting-edge advancements in aerospace technology. These exhibitions highlight developments in commercial aviation, military aircraft, and space missions, showcasing the ongoing progress of human flight.
The Air transport section exhibits several aircraft including a Farman 1909 replica and an original Macchi MC 205 V used by the Regia Aeronautica Militare Italiana during the Second World War. There are also several modern military aircraft.
Former museum aircraft
Photos Andy Davey