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Pueblo, Colorado is poised to become the home of the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America!

The Southern Colorado Science Center (SCSC), in collaboration with the city of Pueblo, Pueblo Urban Renewal and the Artisans of Florence are excited to announce that the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America is in the final stages of approval to establish its first permanent location in Pueblo, Colorado. A vacant building, constructed with state tourism incentives, on Pueblo’s downtown riverwalk has been identified by city leaders to house the museum.

This groundbreaking museum will showcase interactive exhibits, life-sized machine replicas, and educational programs dedicated to the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Sister museums have captivated audiences worldwide, with locations in Italy, France, South Korea, Australia, and Brazil.

The establishment of the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Pueblo is expected to:

  • Enhance educational opportunities by offering cutting-edge STEAM programming for learners of all ages.
  • Boost the local economy with an acute focus on out-of-state tourism.
  • Elevate Pueblo’s cultural profile on both national and international stages.

The museum is also working towards a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo). Once this agreement is finalized, the museum will further strengthen its ties to the community by:

  • Host a selection of da Vinci’s machines on CSU Pueblo’s campus, highlighting this innovative collaboration.
  • Offer CSU Pueblo students opportunities to serve as docents, providing hands-on experience in museum operations and STEAM education.
  • Collaborate with CSU Pueblo’s Sports Sciences Department on exhibits like the “Science of Sport,” merging athletics with scientific principles.

Together, we are bringing a world-class cultural and educational experience to Pueblo, celebrating the timeless genius of Leonardo da Vinci.

The project is nearing its final approval stages, with plans to open in the near future. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding the grand opening and ways to get involved.

Learn more on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Board Members

Officers
Joe Arrigo, Chairman
Craig Eliot, Vice President
Nick Potter, Secretary
Phil Hecker, Treasurer

Members
Eric Bakke
Tricia Burton
Kristie Denbrock
Kari Gonzales
Art Hilvitz

About Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci, a name synonymous with genius, was not only a master artist but also a pioneering scientist and innovator whose ideas were centuries ahead of his time. Born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy, Leonardo’s insatiable curiosity and boundless imagination led him to explore a wide array of scientific fields, from anatomy to engineering.

Leonardo’s scientific endeavors were marked by meticulous observation and detailed documentation. His anatomical studies, based on dissections of human bodies, resulted in some of the most accurate and detailed drawings of the human form ever created. These works laid the groundwork for modern anatomy and physiology.

In engineering, Leonardo’s inventive mind conceived numerous machines and devices, many of which were precursors to modern technology. He designed flying machines, including the famous ornithopter, which mimicked the flapping of bird wings. His sketches of helicopters, tanks, and even a rudimentary robot showcase his visionary thinking.

Leonardo’s contributions to hydraulics and civil engineering were equally impressive. He devised plans for advanced canal systems, bridges, and even a city designed to be resistant to plague. His studies on the flow of water and the principles of buoyancy were groundbreaking and influenced future engineers and scientists.

Despite the limitations of his time, Leonardo’s notebooks, filled with sketches and scientific musings, reveal a mind that constantly sought to understand and innovate. His interdisciplinary approach, blending art and science, has inspired countless generations of thinkers and creators.

Leonardo da Vinci remains a timeless symbol of human potential and creativity, reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge and innovation knows no bounds. His legacy continues to inspire and challenge us to push the boundaries of what is possible.

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