Museo Leonardo Da Vinci Experience

The Basics

The multimedia Leonardo Da Vinci Experience treats visitors to a rare comprehensive overview of Leonardo’s life’s work as both inventor and painter. On display are dozens of his ingenious machines built according to original sketches, and hand-painted reproductions of more than 20 of his masterpieces. Check out the museum’s four halls of machines grouped by theme (flying machines, war machines, perspective, and mechanic principles), then browse the gallery of full-scale paintings created using techniques and materials from Leonardo’s time.

Located near St. Peter’s Square, the Leonardo da Vinci Experience is an easy stop when visiting the Vatican, but book tickets in advance to avoid a long wait to enter.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The prestigious Bottega Artigiana Tifernate art studio created the reproductions, including The Last Supper, Mona Lisa, Virgin of the Rocks, and Lady with an Ermine.

• The immersive displays use projections, holograms, and audio recordings to illustrate the collection in a way that’s engaging for adults and kids alike.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible.

• There’s no museum cafè, but the surrounding neighborhood is thick with dining options.

How to Get There

Located on Via della Conciliazione, a few blocks from St. Peter’s Square, the museum is easy to get to from the historic center of Rome. Walk across the Ponte Sant’Angelo, or take metro line A to the Ottaviano stop.

When to Get There

The museum is open every day from 9am to 7:30pm, and is a nice refuge from the summer heat and crowds of St. Peter’s Square.

Other Leonardo da Vinci Museums in Italy

Numerous museums are dedicated to the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci, including important collections in Milan, Florence, and Vinci, the artist’s hometown. The Leonardo da Vinci Experience in Rome is the only museum that boasts a collection of reproductions of his Renaissance artworks.

Ways to explore

On display at the Leonardo da Vinci Experience Museum are dozens of his ingenious machines built according to original sketches, and hand-painted reproductions of more than 20 of his masterpieces. Check out the museum’s four halls of machines grouped by theme— flying machines, war machines, perspective, and mechanical principles—then browse the gallery of full-scale paintings created using techniques and materials from the artist’s time.

Located near St. Peter’s Square, the Leonardo da Vinci Experience is an easy stop when visiting the Vatican. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

Accessibility

The museum is not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, phone (for audio guide), bank card or money for gift shop

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layers can be helpful when exploring Rome.

Not allowed

Umbrellas, backpacks, luggage

Amenities

Audio guide in multiple languages, restrooms, gift shop

Address

Located on Via della Conciliazione, a few blocks from St. Peter’s Square, the museum is easy to get to from the historic center of Rome and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Driving

You cannot drive to the Leonardo da Vinci Experience as it is on a restricted street. Parking is available nearby at Parking Prati or Garage San Pietro.

Public transportation

You can take bus lines 23, 34, 40, 62, or 280 to the Piazza Pia/Castel S. Angelo stop. Alternatively, board metro line A to Ottaviano.

Best times to visit

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon—the museum opens at 9am and closes at 7.30pm—when there are typically fewer visitors. The last entry is at 6.30pm.

Best days to visit

Monday through Thursday are usually the quietest days at the museum—the most popular days are Saturday and Sunday.

Best months to visit

Plan a trip to Rome for the shoulder seasons: late October to early December or late February to April. At these times, the city typically sees the fewest crowds.