Hong Kong Innovation Foundation Presents 'Think Like Leonardo da Vinci 500th Anniversary Exhibition'

HONG KONG, Dec. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In commemoration of the 500^th anniversary since Leonardo da Vinci left behind his legacy, exhibitions and events about the original Renaissance Master are held in different parts of the world. In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation and Sino Group have partnered with the acclaimed Leonardo3 Museum (L3) from Italy in bringing its world-class travelling exhibition to Olympian City. Entitled 'Think Like Leonardo da Vinci 500th Anniversary Exhibition', the Hong Kong event is the first large-scale thematic exhibition L3 has staged in Asia, and has been designed and curated following museum standards to re-create the mind-boggling world of the great Italian inventor and artist.

The first large-scale exhibition in Asia by Leonardo 3 Museum from Italy, ‘Think Like Leonardo da Vanci 500th Anniversary Exhibition’, is being staged at Olympian City.

With remarkable accomplishments in multiple disciplines spanning across science and art, Leonardo da Vinci is widely considered one of the greatest polymaths in human history and a pioneer of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) education, whose ideas and inventions were ahead of his time, and have inspired generations of scientists and arts. Committed to promoting his innovative spirit, L3 devotes itself to the study of da Vinci's inventive concepts through research, analysis and translation of his original manuscripts and drawings. The museum also endeavours to bring these concepts to life by recreating da Vinci's machines and art with scientific methods and state-of-the-art technology, together with immersive and interactive experiences for the audience.

Following success in the United States, Canada, Germany, Poland and Turkey, among other countries, L3 is presenting the world-class exhibition of da Vinci to Hong Kong audience. Unlike previous exhibitions, which were held in either traditional museums or art galleries, the Hong Kong edition is staged at Olympian City, a family-friendly mall of the Group that has been actively promoting STEM education, including launching the first in-mall STEM lab in Hong Kong, the OC STEM Lab, as well as a wide range of inspiring STEM programmes. It is the ideal of promoting new and fresh ideas that has brought Olympian City and L3 together to stage the exhibition in Hong Kong, which will also be the first time for precious exhibits and interactive installations from the museum's collection to be showcased inside a shopping centre.

The 'Think Like Leonardo da Vinci 500^th Anniversary Exhibition' showcases da Vinci's ideas, achievements and contributions to human society in an interactive and engaging way, encouraging the audience to delve into the amazing universe of the celebrated genius. In addition to fascinating machines constructed by L3 basing on da Vinci's ideas and over 1,000 digitised manuscripts and interactive drawings, the exhibition features a host of new multi-sensory experiences especially designed for this occasion.

Mr Daryl Ng, Chairman of the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, remarked, 'We are honoured to have the opportunity to join hands with the Leonardo3 Museum, the Italian Consulate-General and like-minded partners, in presenting this world-class exhibition to Hong Kong audience, in the family-friendly and engaging environment of Olympian City. da Vinci is the true Renaissance man, with prolific genius across multiple disciplines. Hong Kong is indeed going through a Renaissance moment, developing its technology and innovation industry foundation, and combining its new prowess with traditional advantages. As Hong Kong develops into an international innovation and technology hub, our priority is to strengthen talent development and provide the next generations with all-rounded exposure.'

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Nikki Ng, Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, said, 'Established to support the development of the innovation and technology (I&T) sector, the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation seeks to be a holistic innovation ecosystem, fostering meaningful spaces and discussions as Hong Kong grows into its role as an innovation hub. Leonardo da Vinci, hailed as one of the most diversely talented individuals who ever lived, da Vinci is a pioneer of STEM and STEAM, he has left a far-reaching impact on the world with his forward thinking and brilliant ideas. By showcasing machines built from da Vinci's concepts and providing interactive experiences, the exhibition is expected to not only inspire Hong Kong people but also help encourage I&T development.'

Mr David Ng, Group Associate Director of Sino Group, remarked, 'Sino Group is a committed advocate of innovation. In 2017, we set the OC STEM Lab at Olympian City to promote STEM education, it was followed by the opening of Sino Inno Lab in 2018, which serves as a sandbox platform and a facilitator of I&T. This time, we are working with L3 to present Asia's first world-class exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci in a shopping centre. The public space in Olympian City will come into play in introducing da Vinci's legacy and STEAM and inspire the general public.'

Mr Clemente Contestabile, Consul-General of Italy in Hong Kong, said, 'To honour Leonardo da Vinci who left his legacy to the world 500 years ago, the Italian Government is organising a one-year worldwide celebration. I would like to thank the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, Sino Group and L3 for staging Asia's very first large-scale exhibition devoted to Leonardo da Vinci at Olympian City, which not just enables the Hong Kong public to enter the world of da Vinci and learn from his innovative spirit, but above all, promotes cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Italy.'

Mr Mario Taddei, Co-founder and Co-technical Director of L3, said, 'L3 is devoted to the study of Leonardo da Vinci's ingenious ideas and sharing his innovative spirit with the world. In a similar vein, the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation and Sino Group's Olympian City are dedicated to popularising STEM education, with proven success in the various programmes they have implemented. Sharing the same ideal of promoting innovation, L3 is partnering with the two organisations to bring the touring exhibition, which has already travelled to France, Italy and the US, to Hong Kong as its first Asian stop. We are certain the event will showcase the innovative spirit of da Vinci to the people of Hong Kong, and hope that it paves the way for exhibitions in other Asian cities.'

Ms Michelle Ong, Chairman of the Marco Polo Society, said, 'The Marco Polo society actively seeks to support and facilitate creative educational opportunities that promote the Italian arts and culture in Hong Kong. "Think Like Leonardo da Vinci" brings to life the brilliant inventions of the Italian genius and polymath to the community. Importantly, through this exhibition, it encourages and highlights that creativity and innovation has no bounds.'

Awe-inspiring displays and installations of da Vinci's ingenious designs

Leonardo da Vinci was not only a celebrated scientist and painter, but also an architect, engineer, mathematician and musician, with achievements in many disciplines. Through the interactive Codex Atlanticus and Codex on Flight at the exhibition, the audience will be able to grasp more easily the concepts behind Leonardo da Vinci's multifarious inventions, presented through L3's digitised manuscripts and drawings, advanced technology and three-dimensional images.

The Codex Atlanticus is the world's most comprehensive compilation of illustrations made by da Vinci. It covers a wide range of contents, from natural science to architecture, technology and music. Meanwhile, the Codex on Flight includes da Vinci's observations and concepts that had contributed to the invention of human flight in the early 20th century.

The exhibition will also display mechanical models of da Vinci's flying machine, architectural structures, musical instruments, ships, transport and other conceptual designs that have inspired inventions in the generations after him.

Step into Renaissance paintings through interactive experiences

Smile like Mona Lisa for charity and a better world

Mona Lisa is one of the most famous painting of Leonardo da Vinci. The mysterious smile of Mona Lisa has captivated art historians and laymen alike.

Through an interactive installation, the exhibition will unveil the secrets behind this masterpiece. Visitors are also invited to take a snap at the 'My MONA LISA Smile' photo area. In addition to transforming into Mona Lisa, visitors can become part of the interactive Mona Lisa mosaic displayed on the mega screen at Olympian City. Sino Group will donate HK$5 for each photo taken at the photo area to local charity Smile with Us HK.

VR experience unfolds secrets behind The Last Supper

The Last Supper is an extraordinary masterpiece because Leonardo did not conform to the traditional technique of drawing. With his paintbrush, he created new and unprecedented aesthetic standards. For example, the window on the left side of the painting is relatively short in real life; however, considering that viewers would more often than not raise their heads to look at the painting, he painted the window much taller than its original normal ratio in order to achieve a visual aesthetic and a visual balance. Leonardo was also very particular with pigments. In order to express a unique amber colour, he experimented with various materials. For instance, he used egg yolks as a pigment and therefore created tempera.

At the exhibition, visitors can participate in a VR experience of the widely researched painting to find out about the drawing techniques and hidden messages behind the masterpiece.

Are you Leonardo's Ideal Man?

Referring to ancient Roman architect Vitruvius' theories on architectural golden proportions, which proposed that every part of the human body should correspond to the architecture of the time and maintain reasonable ratios, da Vinci illustrated an adult male in the nude posing in two overlapping poses, with the limbs stretched out to touch a circle and made to fit within a square made up of 64 smaller squares. With calculation, the 'Ideal Man' with the perfect human body came into life.

At the exhibition, visitors can compare their body build with the 'Ideal Man' with a body scanner. Those who are found to be the closest fit in the weekly challenges may each receive a HK$200 voucher from an Olympian City merchant.

Let's Fly interactive game

In addition to appreciating da Vinci's flying machine and manuscripts, exhibition-goers can take part in the 'Let's Fly' interactive game, and receive a gift upon completing the flying contest that requires them to control the flight with a sensor. The challenger with the highest score each week may win a HK$200 voucher that can be used at Olympian City merchants.

Think Like Leonardo da Vinci 500th Anniversary Exhibition

Exhibition period: 9 December 2019 to 16 February 2020
Opening hours: noon to 9p.m.
Venue: Central Atrium, Ground Floor, Olympian City 2, 18 Hoi Ting Road

About the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation

The Hong Kong Innovation Foundation (HKIF) is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Sino Group in March 2018. HKIF's purpose is grounded in its belief that innovation and technology are crucial to developing a diversified economy, driving meaningful social change and enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong.

HKIF focuses on cultivating the spirit of innovation of our next generations, increasing opportunities and accelerating the path from idea to impact, working together with alumni, partners and friends in the community to strengthen talent development in support of Hong Kong's transformation into an international innovation and technology hub.

HKIF seeks to provide a holistic innovation ecosystem. We have built a variety of platforms to serve different sectors of the community.

About Olympian City

Located at the heart of the 'Golden Circle' in West Kowloon, Olympian City is a premier shopping destination comprising 800,000 square feet of retail space. It is home to more than 250 shops, including renowned brands in fashion, beauty, sports, healthcare and kids' products. It also offers over 40 dining options, including the Food Garden at Olympian City 3 where diners can savour European and Asian cuisines in an al fresco setting.

In addition to regular events, promotions and campaigns, Olympian City engages customers with the Olympian Kids loyalty programme, the Green Hub and the OC STEM Lab. The interactive STEM lab, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that cater to the evolving needs of a sophisticated young audience. It offers a wide spectrum of tailored activities and workshops to spark children's potential, widen their horizons and unleash their creativity, while engaging the community to build a better future through technology.

About LEONARDO3

L3 is an Italian international museum devoted to Leonardo da Vinci. The institution dedicates itself to the study and research on the inventive ideas found in some 6,000 manuscripts made by Leonardo da Vinci, and to spreading his innovative spirit across the world. It has organized exhibitions in a considerable number of cities, including Milan, Turin, Livorno and Vigevano in Italy, Tokyo in Japan, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Wichita in the US, Toronto in Canada, Doha in Qatar, Antalya in Turkey, Manama in Bahrain, Riyad in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait City in Kuwait, Sao Paulo in Brazil, and Mexico City in Mexico, drawing tens of millions of visitors.

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