Become Closely Acquainted with Leonardo da Vinci in Melbourne
This exhibition ended on 8 December 2024. For a limited time, THE LUME Melbourne is home to a captivating exhibition featuring the works of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Step into a world where his art and genius come alive in a truly immersive experience like no other.
The 3000 sqm gallery experience at THE LUME Melbourne goes beyond traditional art exhibitions. With AI and VR technologies bringing Da Vinci’s works to life, visitor can witness his creations in a whole new light. We were blown away by the whole experience.
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits and accessibility advice for THE LUME Melbourne
Leonardo Da vinci lume melbourne
Imagine stepping into a realm where colours dance, sounds resonate, and aromas tantalise your senses. That’s the magic of THE LUME Melbourne, where the art of Leonardo da Vinci is transformed into a multi-sensory extravaganza.
As we wander through the expansive gallery space, we’re surrounded by larger-than-life projections of Da Vinci’s works. It’s incredible to experience every detail up close.
LUME Exhibition Highlights
After gazing up and around at the mesmerising digital artworks, you can wander through the gallery spaces, and enjoy plenty more to see and do. Such as:
- Discover original pages from the genius’ Codex Atlanticus notebook, showcasing his insatiable curiosity in anatomy, engineering, and hydraulic systems.
- Witness 40 meticulously crafted machine inventions, on loan from the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome.
- Stand before the world’s only exact 360° replica of the Mona Lisa, offering a unique perspective on the iconic portrait.
- Soar above Florence in a thrilling VR Experience (extra fee).
- Pose for Leonardo and be transformed into a Da Vinci sketch.
- Find a seat in the Artist Studio, where you can make your own art guided by videos.
- Have a seat at Caffe Medici, and dine amidst the stunning projections.
- Experience mindfulness and movement in immersive Wellness classes, featuring unique meditative landscapes and evocative soundtracks (extra fee).
VR Florence Flyover
I’ve never been to Florence… but this week, I virtually became a bird and flew all around that great Italian city.
Lying comfortably prone, arms outstretched fitted into movable “wings” and virtual reality helmet fitted, I soared. It really felt like I was flying… flapping my arms I flew faster, tilting my hands left or right, forward or back I could turn right or left and soar up or down. Totally unreal!
In a few minutes I floated high above the city and then zoomed down manoeuvring around chimney pots and along streets. I was attempting to fly under one of Florence’s gorgeous bridges when the attendant’s voice said my time was up. I took off the helmet, stood up and was surprised to see I didn’t have any feathers.
This episode was, of course, the “Florence Flyover”, part of the immersive Virtual Reality technology used to awesome effect at THE LUME, a 3000 square metre, multisensory gallery at the Western Edge of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
The Florence Flyover is a small part of a much larger immersive art event that highlights the lifework of Leonardo da Vinci.
Original sketches, replicas of machinery inventions, artefacts and art pieces including sculptures and a full size 360° copy of the Mona Lisa all attest to the genius of this 15th century polymath.
My imagination was sparked by trying to take in everything this amazing man did and I couldn’t help wondering how he would respond if he returned alive today and entered THE LUME immersive experience.
– Chris
Dining at THE LUME
Experience an indulgent dining adventure at Caffe Medici, the exclusive dining space within THE LUME Melbourne. Immerse yourself in a Renaissance-themed ambiance as you dine amidst the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, presented to scale.
Treat yourself to a three-course dinner on Saturday evenings or embrace the Italian tradition of aperitivo with Aperitivo Fridays, featuring a spritz and antipasto platter.
Caffe Medici offers the most comfortable seating in the venue (chairs with back support!), so this is an ideal spot to situate yourself. Sit back, enjoy the changing display of art, and order some tasty food or drinks.
On our visit, we went with a feast of Italian gelato, complemented by a G&T.
Our Review
Isn’t modern technology is amazing! Attending LUME at the Exhibition Centre was just out of this world. It was Leonardo Da Vinci like you’ve never seen!
Walking into the huge space, the walls were covered in giant images of his art, sculptures etc. with appropriate music playing in conjunction with the moving images. The bean bags on the floor were great for younger people, lounging and relaxing and just enjoying the atmosphere, but the few seats for us “seniors” were not really inducive for long sitting time….
However a lovely cafe at the end of the room was a great place to sit and have a drink and snack and soak up the music and amazing rotations of amazing artwork. I was particularly moved to be sitting at a table opposite a full size painting of the Last Supper. I had no idea the actual real life painting is so big.
There were smaller areas upstairs which displayed Leonardo’s many inventions. What a talent!
I was so glad I was brave enough to try out the VR Florence Flyover! A virtual reality experience which really was an Experience! I just wish it had gone a little longer than the 3mins as it took me a little while to get used to the sensation of “flapping my wings” to soar across the top of the buildings. Never dreamt about doing something like this! Loved it!
– Terrie
Tidbits for visiting THE LUME Melbourne
- Open from 10 am daily;
- Weekdays and afternoons are the quietest times to visit;
- General entry for seniors card holders is $40, while an adult is $50;
- No food can be brought in;
- The seating options in the main gallery are bench seats or bean bags, with no back support;
- The restaurant, Cafe 1888, is located within the main gallery hall, where you can dine comfortably seated while watching the art displays;
- At the Artist Studio (included in your entry fee) you can sketch your own art guided by videos – it’s a lot of fun to try your own hand at it;
- The VR experience is an additional charge;
- Of course, there’s a stunning gift shop upon exiting to pick up a special memento;
THE LUME Melbourne Accessibility
- The gallery is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, with lifts and accessible toilets;
- Augmented hearing sets available;
- Note there are dark spaces, loud noises, and bright light from digital screens;
- Friendly staff offer assistance, and visitors can also request support ahead of their visit via an online form;
- Contact the venue directly for advice on the VR Experience suitability.
Getting there
- THE LUME is located within the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre;
- It’s best to enter via the DFO/South Wharf main entry (doors near the Novotel);
- Plan your visit via the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre website;
- From Southern Cross can catch the 96, 109, or 12 tram; and
- Multiple car parking options are located nearby.
THE LUME Melbourne
Located in: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
Address: 5 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
(03) 8638 0609
I hope this post has inspired you to get out and explore Melbourne! Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to find out more ways to discover (or rediscover) the joy of exploring Melbourne.
The Seniors in Melbourne team visited as guests of THE LUME Melbourne. All views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.
