MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) in Tampa, Florida, is hosting an exhibition titled "Machines in Motion" that features 20 working machines built from Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century designs. Created by Italian engineers using period-appropriate materials, the interactive display includes inventions such as ball bearings, an olive oil press, a printing press, and wartime weapons. MOSI President & CEO John Graydon Smith describes da Vinci as "the original innovator" and notes the exhibit aims to inspire creativity in both children and adults. The temporary exhibition runs until May 3.
This exhibition matters because it reframes Leonardo da Vinci—widely known for the Mona Lisa—as a pioneering figure in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, embodying the modern STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) concept centuries before it was formalized. By allowing visitors to physically interact with replicas of his inventions, the show makes historical innovation tangible and accessible, potentially sparking interest in STEM/STEAM fields among young audiences. It also highlights how art and engineering have always been intertwined, offering a broader cultural perspective on creativity.