In the city center of Vinci in Tuscany you will find an extraordinary castle. Since April 15, 1953, 500 years after the birth of Leonardo da Vinci, the Museo Leonardiano is located here, among other things. An interesting exhibition about the inventions of this all-rounder: that’s what you can see here. Are you planning a visit to Vinci and want to know more about Leonardo? In this article you can read more about it!
What would you like to know about Museo Leonardiano?
Castello della Nave and Palazzina Uzielli? A piece of history!
The Leonardiano Museum is housed in two buildings: Conti Guidi Castle (Castello della Nave) and the Palazzina Uzielli. Conti Guidi Castle in particular has a history dating back more than 800 years. The building came into being in the 12th century. Castello della Nave means the ship’s castle. And look closely! The building is shaped like a ship and the tower is the mast. The castle was owned until 1254 by the Guidi family, an influential aristocratic family from Tuscany. Until 1919 it was in private ownership and was donated to the municipality of Vinci.
The second part of the Museo Leonardiano is in Palazzina Uzielli. This red-orange building dates from the 19th century and is named after Gustavo Uzielli (1839-1911). Uzielli was a historian and scientist. He was inspired in his studies by Leonarda da Vinci. In 1872, Uzielli visited Vinci and co-inspired the Museo Leonardiano. In 1997, the building was dedicated to the museum.
What to See and Do in Museo Leonardiano?
Start a visit to the musem at Palazzina Uzielli. In this section you will find lots of information and models about construction machinery, textile manufacturing technology, mechanical clocks and anatomy. The central theme is “Leonardo: the technologist and engineer. Soon you will find out how versatile and inquisitive Leonardo da Vinci was.
After the Palazzina Uzielli, visit the Conti Guidi Castle. This consists of two floors. On the first floor you will find everything about civil engineering, war gear, flying, mechanisms and tools. On the second floor there is a section on hydraulic and river navigation projects. Finally, you can climb the tower and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Vinci and Tuscany!
Actually, there is also a third part. That is Leonardo e la pittura. It is located 100 meters south of the Museo Leonardiano. Main theme of this gallery is Leonardo and his paintings. Here you will find reproductions of his paintings and an explanation of them. His most famous works are, of course, the Mona Lisa in the Louvre (Paris) and the Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
Visit Museo Leonardiano
The ticket counter for the museum is not located at the entrance to the buildings. For that, you have to go to Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, No. 26. You will find this one staircase down, at the bottom of the church. Or you can buy your tickets online. The price depends on what you want to visit. A combo ticket for the Museo Leonardiano, the birthplace and Leonardo e la pittura costs €12 euros per person.
Opening hours? In summer (April/October) open every day between 10am and 7pm. In winter usually between 10 am and 4:30/18 pm and closed at least 1 day a week.
Tickets: €9 or €12 per person, depending on the ticket.
Website: Museum Leonardiano
Plan your trip to Vinci & Italy
Accommodation?
Vinci and surroundings is a great base for a long stay in Tuscany
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Tickets & Tours?
Highlights of a visit include the Museum Leonardiano and Leonardo’s birthplace. With one admission ticket, you can visit these two sights, among others.
Order your tickets online here for the Museo Leonardiano and his birthplace.
Flight tickets to Italy?
To Tuscany, it the best option is to fly to Florence or Pisa. Other options are Milan and Rome and then take the train to Florence
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Rental car Tuscany?
The best way to explore Tuscany is by car!
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Public transport?
Are you going to explore Tuscany by public transport? By train you can easily get to cities such as Florence, Lucca, Pisa or Siena.
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Do you have any comments or tips about this article on Museo Leonardiano in Vinci? If so, feel free to leave a message below.
Read more about Vinci?
Chiesa Madre di Santa Croce, Vinci – The Baptism of Leonardo
Strada Verde – Walk the Road to Leonardo’s Birthplace
Casa Natale di Leonardo da Vinci – Explore the Birthplace of a Genius
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