Leonardo Interactive Museum®

The Basics

The immersive museum takes an in-depth journey into Leonardo da Vinci’s engineering and mechanical inventions. Browse the interactive life-size machines modeled after the inventor’s original sketches, and see high-resolution images of some of Leonardo’s most famous works of art. Then, head to the workshop and attempt to construct Leonardo’s arched bridge, dome, and polyhedrons. Book your ticket in advance to avoid waiting in a long line to enter.

Things to Know Before You Go

• An explanation in five languages, including English, accompanies each machine.

• The Leonardo Interactive Museum® is wheelchair-accessible.

• There’s no museum cafè, but the neighborhood has plenty of dining options.

• There’s an on-site gift shop selling models and other souvenirs.

How to Get There

An easy walk from the train station and top attractions, the Leonardo Interactive Museum® is located on Via dei Servi in the historic center of Florence, halfway between the Duomo and the Accademia Gallery.

When to Get There

The Leonardo Interactive Museum® is open every day (hours vary depending on the season), and is a welcome break from the summer heat and crowds of the Duomo.

Leonardo da Vinci Museums Across Italy

You’ll find several Leonardo-themed museums in Italy, including collections in Rome, Milan, and Vinci, Leonardo’s hometown. The Leonardo Interactive Museum® in Florence stands out for its engaging, hands-on atmosphere and workshop where kids and adults can learn the secrets of Leonardo’s building techniques.

Ways to explore

Plan to spend about an hour at the museum, testing out life-size models of the inventor’s machines and constructing your own version of his self-supporting dome in the workshop. Book your ticket in advance to avoid waiting in line, and consider pairing your visit with nearby attractions such as the Florence Duomo and Accademia Gallery.

As the original Renaissance man, Leonardo is often highlighted on private walking tours of Florence’s historic center. Book a tour that focuses on his life, art, and designs to visit the museum and other city landmarks.

Accessibility

The Leonardo Interactive Museum is partially accessible; some interactive exhibits may be hard to use for visitors in a wheelchair.

Age limits

The museum is recommended for visitors 7 and older.

What to pack

Portable charger and headphones for the free audio guide

What to wear

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the rest of historic Florence on foot.

Not allowed

Food or drink, pets (except for small dogs in a carrier)

Amenities

Audio guide in multiple languages, Wi-Fi, bookshop

Address

An easy walk from the train station and top attractions, the Leonardo Interactive Museum is on Via dei Servi in the historic center of Florence, halfway between the Duomo and Accademia Gallery. (Don’t confuse this museum with the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, nearby on Via del Castellaccio.) If walking isn’t an option, take a taxi or the bus.

Driving

It’s not recommended for tourists to drive in central Florence, where many streets are closed to traffic. Taxis are widely available, though, and will get you to the museum in minutes from anywhere in the city.

Public transportation

Buses C1, 14, and 23 run past many of Florence’s key attractions and stop at Santa Maria Nuova, a short walk from the museum.

Best times to visit

Head to the museum around 1pm, when many shops and sights are closed for lunch and you can duck away from the midday sun.

Best days to visit

The museum is open daily. Consider going on a Monday, when top attractions such as the Accademia and Uffizi galleries are closed.

Best months to visit

The Leonardo Interactive Museum is a year-round attraction, but it’s especially nice as a respite from the summer heat and crowds surrounding the nearby Duomo.