Pueblo, CO – February 20, 2025 – The Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC) has granted final approval for the establishment of the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America in Pueblo. This landmark decision marks a significant milestone for the city of Pueblo, paving the way for the museum’s anticipated opening in late fall 2025.
The EDC’s approval follows the successful negotiation of a 10-year exclusivity memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Artisans of Florence, ensuring that the Pueblo Museum will be the only permanent home in the United States for Leonardo da Vinci’s model-based exhibits. Each subsequent 10-year term provides Pueblo as the sole location within a 1,000km radius and exclusive U.S. premieres of sizable and unique exhibits every 18 months as well as permanent installations only available in Pueblo. This exclusivity MOU, along with the unanimous approval of a lease agreement by the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority (PURA) on February 5, 2025, the museum’s alignment with the goals of the Regional Tourism Act (RTA), and the museum’s impact on out of state tourism solidified the EDC’s decision.
“This approval allows us to move forward with our plans to create an interactive and educational experience that celebrates the genius of Leonardo da Vinci,” said Joe Arrigo, Board Chair of the Southern Colorado Science Center. “We believe this museum will be a transformative addition to the Pueblo community in the areas of STEAM education and a significant draw for visitors from across North America.”
The museum will be located on the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk inside the former Pro Bull Riders Sport Performance Center at 310 Central Main St., with additional plans for a 1,200-foot outdoor museum café. The Pueblo City Council has already given preliminary approval for the café lease agreement, with a final decision expected at their next regular meeting on February 24.
Pueblo’s mayor, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Today is an exciting day to celebrate the beginning of opening the first and only Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in the United States, right in the heart of downtown Pueblo,” said Mayor of Pueblo Heather Graham. “We’re grateful to the approval of the EDC who has shown support for the work put into this project by PURA, the City, the da Vinci Museum team and the greater Pueblo community support.”
With the internal exhibition space now secured, the museum will be shifting their focus toward launching a capital campaign and renovating the inside of the building. This includes preparing the space for exhibitions and establishing other key experiences like education areas.
About the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America aims to offer a unique and immersive experience, featuring life-sized machine replicas based on Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches, STEAM exhibits, and interactive displays. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the innovative works of Leonardo da Vinci, enjoy a scoop of gelato at the outdoor Café Leo, and engage with hands-on exhibits that bring history and science to life. For more information about the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America, please visit leonardomuseumna.org.
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Media Contacts:
Nicki Hart, Leonardo da Vini Museum of North America
nicki@digitalhartmedia.com | 719-581-9713
Haley Sue Robinson, City of Pueblo Director of Public Affairs
HRobinson@pueblo.us | 719-553-2613
