National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci

The National Museum of Science and Technology “Leonardo da Vinci” in Milan is one of the most significant Italian cultural institutions, both for the breadth of its collections and for the historical and scientific importance of the works on display. Founded in 1953 and located in the complex of the Chiostri di San Vittore al Corpo, the museum covers an area of 50,000 square meters, making it the largest technical-scientific museum in Italy and one of the most important in Europe. The museum owes its name to Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance genius who embodied the spirit of curiosity and innovation that the museum itself seeks to convey. The gallery dedicated to Leonardo is one of the highlights of the structure, hosting the world’s largest collection of models of machines made from his drawings. Among the models on display are the famous tank, the aerial screw, and the flying machine, tangible evidence of Leonardo’s ingenuity and futuristic vision. However, the museum does not just celebrate the past: it is also a place of education and innovation. With its 14 interactive laboratories, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to directly experience scientific and technological principles through practical and engaging activities. This educational approach, based on informal education, allows the public to approach science in a playful and participatory way, making the visit a memorable and educational experience. The history of the museum is deeply intertwined with that of the building that houses it. The Chiostri di San Vittore al Corpo, dating back to the 16th century, were originally a Benedictine monastery, later transformed into an Olivetan monastery. During the Napoleonic period, the building was converted into a military hospital and then into a barracks. Only after the Second World War, thanks to the efforts of the industrialist Guido Ucelli, did the idea of transforming the complex into a museum begin to take shape. The renovation, led by the architect Piero Portaluppi, allowed the public to rediscover a space rich in history and architectural value. One of the most iconic attractions of the museum is the submarine Enrico Toti S506, the first submarine built in Italy after the Second World War. Launched in 1967, the Toti was used by the Italian Navy during the Cold War for surveillance and defense in the Mediterranean. The submarine was transported to the museum in 2005 after a complex journey by sea and land, and today it can be visited inside, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into life aboard a submarine. The museum’s collections cover a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the evolution of science and technology from the pre-industrial era to the present day. The transportation section, for example, includes historic locomotives, airplanes, and naval vehicles, illustrating the development of transportation means and their importance.