15 August 2023 |
The artist’s famed Codex Atlanticus will be on display.
It’s been a busy summer for European travel, if the long lines at the top museums like the Louvre and the Uffizi are any indication. But if you’re looking to skip the crowds and airport hassles, while still experiencing a bit of Italian culture domestically, Dolce & Gabbana have an exhibit worth checking out. Along with Confindustria, an Italian association that represents an array of manufacturing and service companies, they’re bringing Leonardo Da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus to Washington D.C. Titled Imagining The Future, Leonardo da Vinci: In the Mind of an Italian Genius, the free exhibit runs until August 20th at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library.
Featuring drawings and writings by Da Vinci, the pages are on loan from Biblioteca Ambrosiana and highlight the artist’s musings on everything from flight to music to weaponry as well as time-keeping and astronomy. As an added bonus you’ll be able to see some rare Dolce & Gabbana watches that are inspired by the contents of the Codex. One exceptional piece worth noting is the Chiaravalle tower, which was donated by the brand to the Biblioteca Ambrosiana back in 2019. The six-foot-tall clock is a unique creation that gets its name from the complex astronomical machine of the Chiaravalle abbey and was created by referencing illustrations within the tome. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind pieces from the Manifattura Italiana and Alta Orologeria collections as well.
Capacity is limited, with a virtual line system, and it’s recommended to head over on a weekday to avoid any waits. For more information, head over to the D.C. Public Library site here.
