Da Vinci exhibit visitor numbers surpass expectations

A model of Leonardo da Vinci's Diver (Palombaro). Picture / Richard Robinson

Visitor numbers at the da Vinci Machines exhibition at Auckland Museum have surpassed all expectation, climbing past 100,000. Early predictions had been for a modest 30,000 but that figure was reached within the first three weeks of the show's opening in November.

Little wonder, with its collection of 50 fascinating models built in accordance with da Vinci's drawings and notes, and in materials appropriate for his times in 15th-century Italy. The exhibition is supported by an excellent series of events, such as the late-night Wednesdays, when the museum remains open until 7.30pm, with an Italian wine cash bar and Italian food tastings.

Tomorrow night at 7.30pm, museum director Dr Rodney Wilson chairs a panel discussion entitled Did Dan Brown Kill da Vinci? with Auckland Art Gallery curator Mary Kisler, Lindsey Freer of Catholic Church Communications and Random House NZ managing director Michael Moynahan.

Two 50-minute films screen through each day during the exhibition as well: Leonardo - The Man Who Wanted to Know Everything and Leonardo - Dangerous Liaisons. The exhibition runs until March 5.