The Leonardo Museum

Since the 12th century, a medieval fortress has towered over the town of Vinci, forming the nucleus around which the imposing Counts Guidi’s castle later developed. The elliptical layout of its tall crenellated walls and the iconic tower resemble the keel and mast of a sailing ship, earning it the nickname “ship castle.”

The powerful Guidi family ruled over Vinci and its fortress until 1254, when the town was annexed to the territories of Florence. Leonardo’s birthplace thus became a border town, directly experiencing the turbulent centuries of municipal and seigneurial conflicts.

The Castle remained in private ownership until 1919, when its last owner, Count Giulio Masetti Dainelli of Bagnano, transferred it to the Municipality of Vinci on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of Leonardo’s death.

Since April 15th, 1953, the Castle has been home to the Leonardo Museum. Its rooms host the exhibition route dedicated to Leonardo’s studies and inventions in the field of engineering. Tools and machines for transforming the landscape, flying devices, war machines, and works of hydraulic engineering offer a 360-degree view of Leonardo’s many interests and his tireless passion for scientific inquiry and research.

In addition to the exhibitions on the ground and first floors, featuring wooden models and reproductions of pages from Leonardo’s notebooks, the visit offers two unique experiences. One is an immersive room with the multimedia installation Ebbe nome Lionardo (“His Name Was Leonardo”), which presents an engaging story about Leonardo’s childhood and his strong bond with his hometown. The second is the historically significant Sala del Podestà, often used for temporary exhibitions, where the walls proudly display the coats of arms of former governors, along with a magnificent glazed terracotta Madonna and Child by Giovanni della Robbia.

Just outside, visitors can access the castle’s panoramic terrace, located at the top of the tower, offering an unparalleled view over the countryside surrounding the village—from the hills of Montalbano to the Valdarno valley.

Machines for transforming the territory

War machines

Bridges

Flight studies

Mechanisms and instruments

Leonardo in Vinci

Ebbe nome Lionardo

Sala del Podestà

The educational and exhibition section Leonardo and Painting on Via Roma concludes the visit itinerary Leonardo, Artist and Scientist.