Da Vinci Robotics Exhibition PDF

Proudly affiliated
with the
MUSEUM OF
LEONARDO DA VINCI
FLORENCE
INTERACTIVE
working, scaled robotic

and inventions
faithfully created from
DA VINCI CODICES
In the 15th century, THE SCIENTIFIC Leonardo Da Vinci

had a vision for a mechanical man.
He intensely studied human and animal anatomy, in
particular the bones, muscles and tendons in order
to discover the cause of motion.
In his wisdom, Leonardo disguised and encrypted

his findings and they remained secret for over
500 hundred years!
This exhibition recognises the vision and genius of the
scientific Leonardo da Vinci and brings to life HIS
ROBOT, the
the worlds first robot
robot,, the flying drones and
his inventions of the future.
LEONARDO DA VINCI
ROBOTICS AND MACHINES
EXHIBITION
ON LOAN FROM THE LEONARDO DA VINCI MUSEUM, FLORENCE

Designed to discover the mind of Leonardo da Vinci
in a way that has never been done before.
Exploring his passionate understanding of nature, science and art
Presented by
THE NICCOLAI GROUP

ARTISANS OF FLORENCE PTY LTD
2009 NICCOLAI SNC
www.niccolaigroup.com
He was like a man who woke up too early, in the darkness,
while everyone else was still sleeping...
DMITRI S. MEREZHKOVSKY, 1901
LIST OF CONTENTS
Museum of Roman Civilization Museo Della Civilta Roma, Italy
MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR

AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Page 1
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Page 2
ABOUT THE MACHINES
Page 4
SECTION 1
Anatomy
Page 5
SECTION 2
Robotics and Machines
Page 6
SECTION 3
Reproduction Art
Page 7
and
LIVE ART ENHANCEMENT
The Last Supper Supplement
Machina TECNOLOGIA DELLANTICA ROMA

(Machina TECHNOLOGY IN THE ANCIENT ROMAN)
Page 8
I MURI DELLARTE
Page 9
EDUCATION PROGRAM
Page 10
THE NICCOLAI GROUP
Page 11
STORYLINE
Page 12
OVERVIEW
Page 13
VENUE DETAILS
Page 14
FURTHER INFORMATION
Page 14
OTHER TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS
Page 15
SPONSOR INFORMATION
Page 20
MEET THE PRESS
Page 21
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Early 2002 in Florence, when I met the dynamo Niccolai family duo, father Carlo and son Gabriele, I begged them
to allow me to take their wonderful da Vinci machines to Museums around the world. It took some convincing, two
years in fact, and after leaving a son behind (as you would in any respectable long lasting medieval contract) I had
begun a most exciting, exhibition career and really thought the game was well and truly won over.
Then along came Dan Brown, who alerted the world of the many secrets our Renaissance master was hiding and
the scene became a frenzied gold rush of pseudo da Vinci shows, hastily built in a few months by sensationalists
and quick-buck profiteers.
There were indeed a number of niggling mysteries surrounding da Vinci, but it was clear to academia and the serious
Vincian researchers that Dan Brown was looking in the wrong direction.
Yes, there were missing paintings and the known ones had many hidden cryptic messages (the art historians daily
bread and butter) however, many of Da Vincis secrets were hidden in his machines.
You could certainly expect that in an era lacking patents or copyright protection, one writing mirror image would
indeed raise suspicions. Particularly mysterious are the last few years of Da Vincis life, where apparently he did
very little at the Kings pleasure... Surely, can you really believe that of Leonardo...? The man who left us 14,000
technical drawings, only after the other two thirds went missing posthumously...?
The task for the Niccolai Group team was daunting and specialised help was sought. Our group expanded with new
partners, Sara Taglialagamba (Historian), Mirko Marini (Architect) for animations, Antonio De Vito, acclaimed master
of fresco painting whose recreation of the lost Battle of Anghiari was hanging in the Museum of Anghiari itself, and
the CreaFx young duo, Elena Sardelli and Danilo Carignola (Special Effects) who draw their inspiration from La
Specola a Florentine wonder, the most amazing museum of anatomical wax reconstructions.
So we (Niccolai Teknoart) began from scratch, revisiting Da Vincis anatomical studies, repainting his lost works
and re-interpreting - even decrypting his notes and instructions in the search for the elusive missing machines.
Gabriele and I visited world centres for robotics such as MIT in Boston and Milan, but it was clear to us, that with
over 150 Vincian constructions under our belt, that we were at the cutting edge of research and well prepared for
revealing the biomimetic secret studies of Leonardo da Vinci.
By the time the date to launch the DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition was upon us we had decoded artworks,
reconstructed flying drones, animal and human robots.
Our initial effort in constructing Da Vincis robot produced a rather inanimate but fierce looking Terminator.
However, just as the opening of the Exhibition was due, Gabriele out of desperation, made the brilliant decision to
use that useless, unexplainable mechanical part - discarded by all for its lack of modern application that, for the
first time, the Da Vinci Robot came to life!
Ironically, we had found the Heart of Ironman. The historical evidence was now so plainly obvious. The result
was a wonderful book by Niccolai and Taglialagamba, prefaced by Pedretti: Leonardo da Vinci, Automatons and
Robotics and the ultimate Leonardo da Vinci exhibition was born; the truly amazing, historically documented,
Da Vinci Robotics covering his work in Art, Anatomy and Robotics.
Luigi Rizzo
Director and CEO
Artisans of Florence Pty Ltd
THE NICCOLAI GROUP
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

One of the worlds greatest artists and engineers, da Vinci was born with an insatiable desire for
knowledge. At a young age he declared Experience will be my mistress, and throughout his
life he pushed the boundaries of knowledge and experience, like a true modern scientist,
becoming a master in his passionate understanding of nature, science and expressions in art
and technology.
The concept to present an exhibition that connected
Leonardo da Vincis passionate study of anatomy to his
beautiful art and to his vision of a mechanical man (worlds
first robot), was conceived around six years ago by the
Artisans of Florence, Niccolai Teknoart SNC (TEKNOART).
Studying and deciphering da Vincis codices (manuscripts),
TEKNOART, in 2006 commenced production on the life size
anatomical models and interactive machines and robotic
exhibits that comprise this Exhibition.
A saying by Leonardo da Vinci

Those who are in love with practice without
knowledge are like the sailor who gets into
a ship without rudder or compass and who
never can be certain whether he is going
Manuscript G, f. 8r
By the time the exhibition was ready for its world launch,
it was apparent to the producers (TEKNOART) that many
of da Vincis coded and encrypted secrets that had laid
hidden for over 500 years, had now been discovered and
would be revealed to the world for the very first time.
On loan from the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in Florence,
the Exhibition had its world launch in Melbourne, Australia
in October 2009. It was then shown at the Sydney Town
Hall, Australia in May 2010 before travelling to Seoul in
Korea.
The Exhibition features in excess of 75 exhibits including
reproduction of his known masterpieces, incredibly life like
anatomical models and body parts, interactive automatons
and robotics mimicking human and flying animals and
something else that has never been attempted before a work-in-progress, full size reconstruction of one of the
masters most famous paintings, The Last Supper
(Optional). Employing traditional fresco technique, Fresco
Master Antonio De Vito has studied da Vincis notes and
drawings for many years and is now bringing back to life
one of civilizations most significant and important works of
art.
SECTION 1 ANATOMY
SECTION 2 ROBOTICS and MACHINES
Each exhibit in the Exhibition is accompanied by the da

Vinci codex page or drawing meticulously followed by the
Artisans in creating it.
Beginning with an Introduction to Leonardo da Vinci, the
Exhibition is then presented in three main sections:
SECTION 3 REPRODUCTION ART

and THE LAST SUPPER (Optional)
All: Internal mechanism of Da Vincis Robot, the newly discovered rhythmic device and the outcome,
The Robot Drummer Codex Atlanticus F 579r
Centre: Flying Drone Codex Atlanticus

Right: Flying Drone Codex Atlanticus
Left: Underwater Breathing Apparatus (Diving) Codex Arundel F 24v
ABOUT THE MACHINES

Leonardo Da Vinci Machines and Robots
My father Carlo Niccolai is a skilled Florentine craftsman whose life and passion has revolved around Leonardo
da Vinci. He shared his knowledge, passion and his craft with me and together, since 1995 we have established
Niccolai-Teknoart SNC and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence. For over 12 years now, with a dedicated
team of artisans, artists and historians, we have been creating machines designed by Leonardo da Vinci which have
been shown in numerous museums and exhibitions all around the world.
I first started researching and producing scale prototype machines, preparing for the construction of larger working
models, in the early 1990s. To date these number approximately five hundred machines, created by the team of
artisans at Niccolai-Teknoart, all meticulously made with materials of the era being wood, iron, cloth, ropes and
bronze. In Da Vincis day, wooden machines required protection from the weather. We replicate the same methods
used back then in the workshop today. We discovered that the application of vegetable pitch (produced by burning
selected pine in a precise methodology) produced a characteristic reddish brown colour in the wood, different from
the natural light colour of just cut wood. We have been able to reproduce synthetically this characteristic colour
derived from the precise application of this natural protective tar.
In the past 10 years, the reconstruction of accurate, working,
interactive models based on da Vincis notes and drawings has
been aided by the use of advanced computer cad technologies.
Over all we have created more than 150 functional models.
The required research, patience and skill has been contributed
equally by the whole team - its been a long and challenging
process but its been extremely rewarding and satisfying.
As with the robot, the main character of the DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition, hes a perfect example. Leonardo
drew his creation as a machine capable of drumming, but till now no one was able to figure out how it worked.
Ironically all the relevant information was laid out in a single sheet, the now famous 579r of Codex Atlanticus, first
identified by Carlo Pedretti as an Automatic Knight back in 1957. Other codex pages had to be consulted for the
final piecing together of the mystery, or the secret if you like, in particular, of the one device. (One can imagine
Leonardos deliberate effort to conceal this important detail from us... over the years Ive become accustomed,
amused to play this game with Leonardo as this process is repeated over and over with many of his machines
reconstructions.., this will be the subject of our next book.) The device contained a rhythmic program that when
installed inside the robot, created a drumming motion. This key missing device had been discarded by all, us
included, for its problematic appearance and function. You can imagine my satisfaction in presenting Professor
Pedretti with the final solution to his 1957 discovery.
The discovery of the device function together with other revelations on Leonardo da Vincis humanoid and animal
automatons and flying drones are the subject in the recently released book Leonardo da Vinci Automatons and
Robotics, a collaborative project I worked on with Sara Taglialagamba with assistance from Carlo Pedretti.
Gabriele Niccolai
Director of Projects
Head of Research & Development
THE NICCOLAI GROUP
ANATOMY SECTION I
As an artist, da Vinci quickly became master of
topographic anatomy, drawing many studies of
muscles, tendons and other visible anatomical
Under
features, consistently stressing the importance
of knowing the body from the inside out.
His concentrated study of anatomy became the
bedrock on which his paintings thrived.
Over a period of 30 years, Leonardo dissected 30
human bodies male and female, young and old.
It was in the dissection of an old man, who had
died a peaceful death that he noticed how arteries
thickened with age. Leonardo described the build
up of a hard dense plaque. His understanding of
this preceded our research and understanding of
cholesterol and the very common disease of our age,
atherosclerosis.
All anatomical models displayed in the DA VINCI

ROBOTICS Exhibition are based on Leonardo da Vincis
original drawings.
Battles are won with the Pick and shovel"
(that is with construction efforts,
has been taken to illustrate
in the models
reported by Fontinus in Stratagenata 4,7,2)
4,7,2
Care
themselves and the narration, the evolution of
scientific ideas and concepts at Gnaeus
variousDomitius
stagesCorbulo
of
(Roman
General
under
Emperor
Nero)
Leonardos anatomical investigations and discoveries.
Top: Arm Muscle and Bone

Next: The Head and Cranial Nerves
Next: Heart Ventricles
Above: Human Embryo 1
Left: The Skeleton
ROBOTICS AND MACHINES

SECTION 2
Among Leonardos vast range of projects, in 1495
he sketched what is believed to be the worlds first
robot. It took the form of a human-shaped
automaton, which is a machine that moves by
mechanical means.
The drawings have now been realised as full-scale
models, which were built strictly according to
Leonardos original specifications and display the
inner workings of the robot, with pulleys and cables
designed to replicate movement of the limbs and
joints.
The mechanical frame was to be encased in medieval
styled metal armour. The robot warrior was capable
of performing human-like actions. As in Leonardos
original drawings, the robots hand waves, the head
nods, the body sits, and the anatomically correct jaw
opens and closes.
However when Teknoart sought to replicate
Leonardos design, the joints grinded and chafed.
This was perplexing for the artisans.
Top right: Casting of the Horse Codex Madrid 11F 149r
Above: Flying Robot (Drone) Codex Atlanticus F314 r-b
Over a period of a year, they kept returning to the

blueprint sketches of the robot in the Codex
Atlanticus.
The DISCOVERY
At last they made a breakthrough, they discovered
a mechanism that contained a rhythmic program
device which would drive the strings and direct the
pulleys to the movement of the wrist. This in turn
connected to rods which beat the sound of a drum.
As soon as the focus shifted, all the other mechanical
problems were minimised. As a result, this robot
drums a consistent beat - a precursor to the drum
machine.
Centre right: The Robot Drummer

Right: Robot Internal Mechanism
Above: Robot metal armour
Left: The missing device Codex
Atlanticus F 579r (detail)
SECTION 3 ART REPRODUCTIONS

The DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition connects and
explains the relationship between the passionate
studies of Leonardo da Vinci, the Anatomist and
Leonardo da Vinci, the Artist.
Consistently stressing the importance of knowing
the body from the inside out, da Vincis concentrated
study of anatomy became the bedrock on which his
paintings thrived.
Only 15 paintings directly attributed to Leonardo
da Vinci survive. There are others that remain
contentious, or those that are actually lost.
The known masterpieces of da Vinci have been
reproduced to actual size for this Exhibition.
Among them, the Mona Lisa, the most famous and
most valued of all. Each year, six million people visit
the Louvre in Paris, to view the painting, which is
now kept behind bullet-proof glass.
The DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition brings to light
new research, including recent x-ray analyses which
add to the mystique of the 500 year old mystery
sitter. The identity of which the Master, Leonardo
da Vinci, took to his grave in 1519.
Portrait of Lisa del Giocondo (Mona Lisa) oil on poplar 77 x 53cm c. 1503-
Virgin and Child with

St Anne c. 1502-1513
The Last Supper

c. 1495-1497
Portrait of a Musician
c. 1485
The Virgin of the Rocks

c. 1495-1499/1506-1508
Annunciation
c. 1473-1475(?)
Madonna of the
Carnation c. 1472-1478
Portrait of Cecilia
Gallerani c. 1489-90
THE LAST SUPPER Supplement
The most prestigious commissions during the

Renaissance period were religiously inspired frescos.
It was a process that required painting into wet
plaster on the wall. Paint had to be applied quickly,
before the plaster could dry.
It was not a form suited to Leonardos slow
contemplative style of painting. He experimented
with new methods which would allow him more time
and produce more luminous colour. The results were
sometimes disastrous, like in his extraordinary
rendition of The Last Supper.
Top: The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

Inset: Preparatory drawing on antique paper by Antonio De Vito
Below: Antonio De Vito working on a section of the reconstruction:
d
Within a few years most of the original colour began

to fade, and the plaster flaked and cracked.
LIVE ART reconstruction by

Florentine Fresco Master
Antonio De Vito
Antonio De Vito has worked for many years studying
the works and techniques of the great masters and
in particular, Leonardo da Vinci. His studies have
inspired him to reconstruct The Last Supper mural
in its natural size, using the fresco technique.
De Vito uses a composite technique of pure fresco painting

to give the work body and strength and then completes the
final details using a tempera technique.
This project has been made possible only through his
thorough study of both Leonardo's original sketches and the
copies made by other artists when the original was still
clearly visible.
This is the first time that a project of this kind has

been undertaken. Over the centuries, all copies that
have survived the ravages of time have been oil on
canvas or oil on board reproductions.
8
PRESENTED BY
ANTONIO DE VITO
I MURI DELLARTE FIRENZE
Within the walls of a 14th century tower that shelters a workshop, unique works are created using the
purest fresco technique, the same technique used by the great Masters, from Giotto to Michelangelo.
I MURI DELLARTE FIRENZE is a workshop opened several years ago in the hills above Florence, born
from Antonio De Vito's passion for fresco painting.
Fresco painting is a very characteristic technique, which demands great speed and confidence and
leaves no room for error or second thoughts which is why very few artists use this traditional method
today.
To achieve fresco - plaster prepared with
lime and sand is spread on the wall and
painting begins on its fresh surface. All
colours used are natural clay-based
pigments. The actual process of painting
must be completed in just a few hours, as
it has to be done on fresh plaster (hence
the name of fresco which in Italian
means fresh).
Only this way can pigments permeate the
wall and show the magic of this technique:
absorbed by lime, colour becomes part of
the wall itself.
This art was typical of the golden age of
Italian history of art, from the end of the
Middle Ages until the Renaissance, but
surprisingly enough, it is little known.
For this reason, as we have learnt over the
years, exhibitions on this particular topic
never fail to generate great public interest.
9
EDUCATION PROGRAM
This new exhibition on loan from the Leonardo da Vinci
Museum in Florence demonstrates direct connections
between the visual arts and science and provides Schools
and Teachers with the opportunity to bring the Italian
Renaissance, lifestyle, culture, science, history and art
into the classroom.
A fascinating display of over 60 exhibits including life like
anatomical models, interactive robotics, interactive
machines, animations and copies of rare Da Vinci Codices.
The exhibition explores Da Vincis famous mural, The Last
Supper (Optional) with a full size reconstruction, a work-inprogress project by a renowned Florentine fresco painter.
Providing a variety of subjects for teachers to integrate
into classroom programs, such as science, anatomy,
biology, history, engineering, mechanics, culture and art.
TEACHER RESOURCES
Education Resources which include ideas and formats for
integrating the Exhibition themes and content into
classroom programs are under development. These will
be available as a valuable teaching tool for all schools
bookings excursions.
Suitable for all school levels through to University, offering
the potential for students to achieve a number of
Outcomes in their own states Curriculum and Assessment
Framework - Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Studies.
Primary Levels:
Art (Exploring and responding), History (Historical knowledge
and understandings, Historical reasoning and interpretation),
Design, Creativity and Technology (Analysing and evaluating),
LOTE (Intercultural knowledge and language awareness), Science
(Science knowledge and understanding, Science at work) Thinking
Processes (Inquiry, Reflection, Evaluation).
Secondary Levels:
Art (Exploring and responding), History (Historical knowledge
and understandings, Historical reasoning and interpretation),
Physics, Italian, Design, Creativity and Technology (Analysing
and evaluating), LOTE (Intercultural knowledge and language
awareness), Science (Science knowledge and understanding,
Science at work) Thinking Processes (Inquiry, Reflection,
Evaluation), Visual Communication and Design (Exploring and
responding).
Various Studies:
Art (Unit 1: Art and meaning, Unit 2: Art and culture, Unit 3:
Interpreting art, Unit 4: Discussing and debating art), Medicine,
Design and Technology, Italian History, Physics, Systems
Engineering, Studio Arts (Unit 1: Interpretation of art ideas and
use of materials and techniques, Unit 2: Ideas and styles in
artworks, Unit 3: Professional art practices and styles, Unit 4:
Art industry contexts), Visual Communication and Design
(Unit 2: Communication in context).
Tertiary studies:
Art, Art-History, Cultural Studies, Design, Engineering, Graphic
Design, History, Science, Medicine, Psychology, Physics,
Sociology, Technology, Woodcraft.
DA VINCI ROBOTICS Exhibition

Website for updates and contact details
10
THE NICCOLAI GROUP

1995 - Florence, Italy. The Niccolai firm of father and
sons, in co-operation with noted academics and
working in close collaboration with Professor Carlo
Pedretti, enriched the study of Leonardo Da Vincis
mechanics by creating a series of interactive models.
Skilfully, using materials from the time, such as wood,
cotton, brass, iron and cord, they presented each
exhibit with a replica copy of the code page from the
recently rediscovered Codex Madrid, from which its
design was taken.
In 2001 the Italian Government recognised the high
quality and skill achieved by the Niccolai family by
conferring upon them the special award Italia che
Lavora (Italy at Work).
Luigi Rizzo and Gabriele Niccolai,
Workshop, Florence, Italy
In 2005 the Niccolai-Teknoart Group expanded with

new partners, Mirko Marina (Architect) for animations,
Antonio De Vito (Fresco Master & Artisan), Lisa Bouvier
(Art Historian & Artisan), Sara Taglilagamba (Historian)
and Luigi Rizzo (Physicist for Science/Education) and
undertook new projects.
In 2009/10 the new Exhibition Da Vinci Secrets
Anatomy to Robots was launched in Melbourne, then
Sydney and Seoul making headlines for its 15th century
working robots never seen before. The discoveries
are the subject of the book titled Leonardo da Vinci:
Automations and Robotics, CB Editions.
In 2009/10 the new Exhibition Machina Technologia
Dellantica Roma staged at the Museo Della Civilta
Romana, Rome, was awarded the Gold Medal of the
President of the Italian Republic. It has also featured
in television documentaries in Italy and international
magazines such as Focus, Newton, National Geographic
and Scientific America.
Carlo and Gabriele Niccolai, Workshop, Florence, Italy
In 2012 the Group launched the brand new exhibition

based on historical and scientific data titled -Julius
Caesar Military Genius and Mighty Machines. Launched
in Melbourne, Australia it then opened at the Seoul
War Museum in Korea, the South Australian Museum
and the Hong Kong Science Museum before traveling
to Taiwan R.O.C. in 2013.
Luigi Rizzo and Gabriele Niccolai
In 2013, in collaboration with the Artisans of Florence

and I Muri dellArte, the Niccolai Group launched the
brilliant The Divine Michelangelo Exhibition at the Taipei
National Museum of History. The Exhibition which is
based on Michelangelos life time achievements
features FULL SIZE copies of his famous sculptures
including the DAVID - created from the antique
collections of casts derived from the original works.
Carlo Niccolai, Professor Carlo Pedretti, Gabriele Niccolai
Carlo Niccolai, Gabriele Niccolai with Carlo Pedretti

Dr. Lt. 1928 (centre). Emeritus Professor Leonardo
Studies UCLA (USA).
Advisor to the Italian Government on matters Da Vinci.
In addition, adviser to Queen Elizabeth II, British Library,
King of Sweden, Bill Gates and the Niccolai family on
matters Da Vinci. Author of over 40 books, recipient of
Italian Government Gold Medal for Services to Culture
and a Congressional Citation by USA Government, both
awarded 1972.
To date, exhibitions created by

The Niccolai Group have toured major cities
all around the world entertaining
in excess of 6 million visitors.
11
EXHIBITION STORYLINE
Visitors, assisted by the screening of a movie based on the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, enter into the period of the
Italian High Renaissance, around the turn of the 16th century..., a period of great cultural change and achievement.
Introduction: In this section we learn about Leonardos life and why he is regarded as one of the worlds greatest
artists, engineers and visionary becoming a true master in his passionate understanding of nature, science and art.
The Vitruvian Man Visitors learn how Leonardo da Vinci compared the workings of the body as a
reflection of the workings of the universe and can study his calculations on bodily proportions
Codices Rare copies of Codex Anatomy Windsor Collection, Codex American Circle and Codex Atlanticus
Section 1 Anatomy. In this section, visitors are astounded by the realism of full size models of body parts and
skeletons. Created by modern day artisans who have followed meticulously the drawings and notations (Codices)
made by Leonardo da Vinci as part of his studies with human and animal autopsies. His astonishing accuracy,
attention to detail and genius are recognized as one considers his findings (made over 500 years ago), were achieved
without the assistance of modern science and laboratory facilities.
Models include the study of the human skull, the human head and the cranial nerves, optics and related cranial
nerves, the human embryo, the geography of the heart, the skeleton, the spine, the human trunk,
anatomical instruments, and models reflecting the cause of motion such as arm muscles and bones, shoulder
and arm muscles, the study of the arm, the cross section of the leg and studies of the leg. All accompanied by
corresponding codex pages and large panels.
Section 2 Robotics and Machines. In this section visitors will learn how Leonardos vision for a mechanical man
(the worlds first robot) was achieved through his studies and investigations in human and animal anatomy and in
particular, the bones, muscles and tendons... discovering the cause of motion. Visitors will also learn how Leonardo
hid and disguised the secrets of his inventions and how, until now, the missing device for his robot had remained a
secret for over 500 hundred years...
Robotic models include the complete internal mechanism of the robot, full suit a medieval armour intended to
encase the robot, the drummer robot revealing the missing device hidden away for over 500 years, together
with various working, interactive mechanical models of robotics, ropes and pulleys and joint components with codex
pages, large panels and virtual animations
Flying drone models (robots) are working, interactive mechanical models, including vertical flying machines, large
fixed wings, virtual animations, codex pages and large panels
Machine models include the gym set (Leonardos machine to test a mans muscle strength for flying), the breathing
apparatus for underwater diving, the perspectograph, the mechanical heart, the arterys valve and other
models, codex pages and large panels.
Section 3 Art and LIVE ART The Last Supper (Optional). Visitors will be taken back in time when they enter the
Bottega of modern day Florentine fresco master, Antonio de Vito. Here De Vito captures and brings to life a medieval
atmosphere to present his full size reconstruction of Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper a work-in-progress, in a
way that has never been undertaken before!
Includes video documentation of the work completed to date, where there have been revelations of messages and
re-interpretations of unresolved mysteries. Discovered so far, we witness that Leonardo was indeed hiding meanings
into his painting and Master De Vito is revealing them LIVE, in front of our own eyes as he continues to paint on..!
On display in the gallery are high quality reproductions of Leonardo da Vincis known paintings with information
labels, including the worlds most famous, most valuable masterpiece, the Mona Lisa.
12
EXHIBITION OVERVIEW
AIM
st
th
To enlighten 21 century visitors of the magnitude of a 15 century mans vision, genius and achievement in our
modern world of science, technology and art, and to reveal the less known facts and hidden messages that make
Leonardos work even more relevant in todays society.
DA VINCI ROBOTICS was conceived to create a platform upon which the vision and genius of Leonardo da Vinci could
be presented revealing the connection between his studies in nature, anatomy, robotics and art.
THEMES
Following an Introduction to Leonardo da Vinci, his comparisons of the human body to the universe (Vitruvian Man)
and his manuscripts (Codices), the Exhibition is presented in three sections:
SECTION 1 Anatomy
SECTION 2 Robotics and Machines SECTION 3 Art and the LIVE ART The Last Supper option
KEY FEATURES in excess of 75 Exhibits

21
21
16
1
15
3
65
2
2
1
75
ANATOMICAL MODELS
Life size anatomical models and body parts, masterly sculpted and strictly
complying with fundamental scientific principals Leonardos codices
INTERACTIVE ROBOTS,
Working, interactive and created in the workshops of the skilled artisans of
DRONES AND MACHINES
Florence, NICCOLAI-TEKNOART SRL, using only materials of the age and
adhering meticulously to the notes and drawing of Leonardo da Vinci
PAINTINGS REPRODUCED
The known paintings including The Last Supper and Mona Lisa
THE LAST SUPPER RECONSTRUCTION LIVE ART work-in-progress, presented in the artists Bottega (Optional)
GIANT PANELS
Highlighting the exquisiteness of Leonardos drawings
RARE COPIES OF CODICES
Valuable, leather bound manuscripts
STANDS
To hold informative label for each exhibit
VIRTUAL ANIMATIONS
Demonstrating how the robots, drones and machines work
DVDs
Work-in-progress stages of The Last Supper fresco, Artisans at work
DVD LEONARDO DA VINCI GENIUS
Screening permission for 55 minutes movie
A3 PRINTED COLOUR LABELS
For display and/or digital files for wall text (English language only)
ART ACCESSORIES
Various accessories including trestles, stands, paints & brushes
BASES AND PLINTHS
Every exhibit, except free-standing works, come supplied with own base
MERCHANDISE
Extensive range of relative merchandise included, on consignment.
VISITORS HIGHLIGHTS
Discovering the connection between Leonardos passion with anatomy, his technical inventions and his art
Learning how Leonardo protected what he was inventing back in the 15th century
Witnessing the worlds first robot and discovering what Leonardos purpose for the robot was
To feel and touch and in most cases, operate the reconstructed machines themselves
Going back in time to the artists Bottega to watch Antonio de Vito bring to life The Last Supper (Optional).
To interact with the painter at work, to listen and view how details of The Last Supper were once lost and how
now, their revelation shed new interpretations to this work and other masterpieces. An experience not to be
missed for the artist at heart
To look upon the Mona Lisa, re-presented to the public, not just as she looks in the Louvre, Paris but how
Leonardo had intended
The opportunity to witness in one space, under one roof, all of Leonardo da Vincis Masterpieces.
SUITABILITY
The exhibition is highly recommended and suitable for the general public, people of all ages and all levels of education.
13
VENUE INFORMATION
Rental Term: 3 6 months
Floor Space: 400 - 700 1000 square metres
Floor Loadings: No excessive weight bearing
exhibits
Flooring Preference: Carpet, brown, dark grey,
black
Ceiling Height: 4 metres preferred minimum
Walls - Colour Scheme: Warm Tuscan tones
Special Power Requirements: None
Museum Assistance: Min. 4 assistants required
Exhibit Companion Items:
Machine & Robotic Animations
Da Vinci Film Screening Rights
Gift shop merchandise
Award Winning (Educational) Primary Physics
Program
High Resolution Graphics
Press Release Kit
TRANSPORT & DELIVERY

Shipment: 1 X 40 container to nearest port
Delivery to Venue: Container by road to venue
door
Unloading/Loading/Equipment: By hand & pallet
jack/trolleys directly to exhibit area (forklift in
difficult loading areas)
HOSTING ENQUIRIES
Rental & Inclusions: On Application
General Enquiries: E info@artisansofflorence.com
Bookings via Email to:
Italy/Europe
Gabriele Niccolai
Asia/Europe
Luigi Rizzo
USA/UK/AUS
Margaret Harris
OUR TRAVELLING EXHIBITION

PORTFOLIO
ON FOLLOWING PAGES
14
THE NICCOLAI GROUP
Proudly affiliated
with the
MUSEUM OF
LEONARDO DA VINCI
FLORENCE

Specialising in research and development, precision reproduction, packaging and
management of INTERACTIVE WORLD CLASS travelling Exhibitions.
EXHIBITION
VENUE INFORMATION
Rental Term:
3 6 months
Floor Space:
400 - 700 1000 square metres
Floor Loadings:
No excessive weight bearing
exhibits
Flooring Preference:
INTERACTIVE
Carpet, brown/dark grey/black
working, scaled robotics

and inventions
faithfully created from the
DA VINCI CODICES
Ceiling Height:
4 metres preferred minimum
Walls - Colour Scheme:

Warm Tuscan tones, specs provided
In the 15th century, THE SCIENTIFIC Leonardo Da Vinci

had a vision for a mechanical man.
He intensely studied human and animal anatomy, in
particular the bones, muscles and tendons in order
to discover the cause of motion.
In his wisdom, Leonardo disguised and encrypted

his findings and they remained secret for over
500 hundred years!
This eexhibition recognises the vision and genius of the
scientific Leonardo da Vinci
Vinci and brings to life HIS
ROBOT
ROBOT, the worlds first robot, the flying drones and
his inve
inventions of the future.
Theme 1
Theme 2
Theme 3
Theme 4
Theme 5
THE SCIENTIFIC WORLD OF DA VINCI

ROBOTICS
FLYING MACHINES THE DRONES
PRINCIPLES OF MECHANICS
ARTWORK REPRODUCTIONS
Explore Da Vincis bottega with his 500 year old secrets

INTERACTIVE, working, scaled robotics and inventions
The futuristic pilot-less drones
Computer Animations and Film Screenings
Rare copies of LEONARDO DA VINCI CODICES
Acknowledgement of the artist with beautifully
reproduced paintings, including the Mona Lisa
GABRIELE NICCOLAI
LUIGI RIZZO
MARGARET HARRIS
Director & CEO
Operations
Manager
15
E gabrieleniccolai@yahoo.it
E rizzoteknoart@gmail.com
Museum Assistance:
Minimum 4 assistants required

Animations
Award Winning (Educational)
Primary Physics Program
Press Release Kit

1 X 40 container to nearest port
Exhibition Highlights:
None
Shipment:
Exhibition Themes
Special Power Requirements:
E margaret.harris@niccolaigroup.com
Delivery to Venue:
Container by road to venue door
Unloading/Loading/Equip:
By hand & pallet jack/trolleys
directly to exhibit area (forklift in
HOSTING ENQUIRIES
Rental & Inclusions:
On Application
General Enquiries:
E info@artisansofflorence.com

Italy/Europe
Asia/Europe
USA/UK/AUS
Gabriele Niccolai
Luigi Rizzo
Margaret Harris
Proudly affiliated
with the
MUSEUM OF
LEONARDO DA VINCI
FLORENCE

THE NICCOLAI GROUP
Bringing together the talents of Italy, sourcing artworks
and coordinating the development and delivery of WORLD CLASS EXHIBITIONS
EXHIBITION
Enhancements
Two Special Features & Highlights

Designed to enhance
LEONARDO DA VINCI EXHIBITIONS
THE LAST SUPPER
THE LAST SUPPER a monumental work

that portrays the dramatic moment when
Christ, surrounded by his twelve disciples,
declares one of you will betray me.
FULL SIZE UNIQUE RECREATION of THE LAST SUPPER

reconstructed by Florentine Maestro ANTONIO DE VITO,
using only TRADITIONAL FRESCO TECHNIQUES.
Discover important elements lost over the centuries
VENUE INFORMATION
Rental Term:
3 6 months
Floor Space:
50-100 square metres
Ceiling Height:
3.5 metres
ORIGINAL
DRAWINGS
By Leonardo da Vinci

Antique rustic stone wall design

Film LIVE FRESCO
High Resolution Graphic
School of Art Activities for children
Press Release Kit

Shipment, transport, delivery,
accompany Da Vinci Exhibit.
Forklift & pallet jacks directly to
exhibit area
HOSTING ENQUIRIES
Rental On Application
General Enquiries:
GABRIELE NICCOLAI
LUIGI RIZZO
MARGARET HARRIS
Director & CEO
Operations Manager
Bookings via Email:

Italy/Europe, Gabriele Niccolai
Asia/Europe, Luigi Rizzo
USA/UK/AUS, Margaret Harris
THE NICCOLAI GROUP
Proudly affiliated
with the
MUSEUM OF
LEONARDO DA VINCI
FLORENCE

EXHIBITION
VENUE INFORMATION
Rental Term:
2 - 3 6 months
Floor Space:
400 - 700 1000 square metres
Floor Loadings:
exhibits
INTERACTIVE
working, scaled machines
faithfully created from the
DA VINCI CODICES
Ceiling Height:
4 metres preferred minimum

Leonardo Da Vinci lived in Italy 500 years ago. He studied ancient writings
of historically brilliant men such as Vitruvius and Archimedes and embraced
knowledge from great civilisations which had been lost or forgotten during
the Dark Ages. He experimented and expanded early ideas involving natural
energy sources creating many inventions using the ancient wisdom on
pulleys, cranes, levers, the screw, winches and many more.
Exhibition Themes:
Theme 1
Theme 2
Theme 3
Theme 4
Theme 5
WAR MACHINES
FLYING MACHINES
NAUTICAL/HYDRAULIC MACHINES
PRINCIPLES OF MECHANICS
ARTWORK REPRODUCTIONS
Museum Assistance:

Animations
Press Release Kit

Shipment:
Exhibition Highlights:
None
Incredible war, nautical and hydraulic machines

Ground-breaking applications of civil engineering
Flying machines
Computer Animations and Film Screenings
Rare copies of LEONARDO DA VINCI CODICES
Reproduction Art Gallery of Da Vincis most famous
paintings, beautifully framed with descriptive labels
Delivery to Venue:
By hand & pallet jack/trolleys
directly to exhibit area (forklift in
HOSTING ENQUIRIES
On Application
General Enquiries:
GABRIELE NICCOLAI
LUIGI RIZZO
MARGARET HARRIS
Director & CEO
Operations
Manager
17

Italy/Europe
Asia/Europe
USA/UK/AUS
Gabriele Niccolai
Luigi Rizzo
Margaret Harris
THE NICCOLAI GROUP
Proudly affiliated
with the
MUSEUM OF
LEONARDO DA VINCI
FLORENCE

EXHIBITION
VENUE INFORMATION
Rental Term:
Step back in time, over 2000 years to the height of the ROMAN EMPIRE.
Discover and experience how Roman advanced technology worked
and how it is still impacting our lives today.
3 6 months
Floor Space:
700 1000 square metres
Floor Loadings:
exhibits
Ceiling Height:
3.5 metres preferred minimum
JULIUS CAESAR
Military Genius & Mighty Machines Exhibition

The Exhibition highlights the technology and inventions
developed or refined by the Romans that set them apart from
the rest of the world and continue to influence the way we
live today.
Unrivalled technology was used to build the Roman Empire with
many remnants continuing to stand today. The machines themselves however, built mainly of timber, rope and canvas, were not
so robust. Very
ery few pieces of Roman technology and machinery
have survived the 2000 years since the height of
the Roman Empire.
Archaeological
rchaeological finds and historic texts have allowed
artisans to research and reconstruct ancient technology
using the same materials and techniques that the Romans
used thousands of years ago.
Museum Assistance:

Animations
Roman Empire film (subject to
regional approval)
Exhibition Program
Press Release Kit

Shipment:
Just some of the Exhibition Highlights
None
INTERACTIVE, scaled, working models of war, civil,

transport & constructions machines
Roman Maps showing 84,000km of paved roads
all leading to Rome
The Aqueducts, the Colosseum, Gladiators & Weapons
Legionnaires, Centurions, Praetorians
Delivery to Venue:
Unloading/Loading
By hand & pallet jack directly to
exhibit area (forklift in difficult
loading areas)
HOSTING ENQUIRIES
2009 Niccolai Teknoart SNC (Firenze)
Artisans of Florence Pty Ltd.
All rights reserved.
GABRIELE NICCOLAI
LUIGI RIZZO
MARGARET HARRIS
Director & CEO
Operations
Manager
18
On Application
General Enquiries:

Italy/Europe
Asia/Europe
USA/UK/AUS
Gabriele Niccolai
Luigi Rizzo
Margaret Harris
Proudly affiliated
with the
MUSEUM OF
LEONARDO DA VINCI
FLORENCE

THE NICCOLAI GROUP
Bringing together the talents of Italy, sourcing artworks
and coordinating the development and delivery of WORLD CLASS EXHIBITIONS
The MICHELANGELO THE DIVINE

Exhibition can be tailored to
suit your Museum or venues
audience and environment.
VENUE INFORMATION
This Exhibition is about Michelangelo Buonarroti,

his life and the eternal impact of his achievements in
the fields of painting, sculpture
and architecture.
Rental Term:
3 6 months
Floor Space:
1000 square metres
Floor Loadings:
Opt. 1: Sculptures 65-900kgs
Opt. 2: Sculptures 65-250kgs
Ceiling Height:
MICHELANGELO
the Divine

The Exhibition, which includes 14 ORIGINAL

MICHELANGELO DRAWINGS on loan from
CASA BUONARROTI, provides visitors with an unparalleled experience,
immersing them into the daily life of perhaps the greatest artist of all
time a legend in his own lifetimeMICHELANGELO.
lifetime
Entering the world of Michelangelo visitors can get up close and personal
with a series of his most important works including LIFE SIZE sculpture
featuring the DAVID and the PIETA, created from the antique collection of
casts TAKEN FROM THE ORIGINALS.
There are 10 FULL SIZE FRESCOS depicting scenes from the Sistine Chapel
ceiling including THE CREATION OF ADAM reproduced by Maestro De Vito.
Just some of the Exhibition Highlights
Opt. 1: 9 metres minimum

Opt. 2: 3.5 metres minimum
A timeline presenting Michelangelos extraordinary achievements

ORIGINAL MICHELANGELO drawings
A 5.17m (17) tall DAVID created from the cast of the ORIGINAL
FULL SIZE statues including THE PIETA
Beautiful frescos created using traditional fresco techniques
Cross section of St. Peters and Michelangelos architectural
drawings.

None
Museum Assistance:

MICHELANGELO film (subject to
regional approval)
Film LIVE FRESCO
High Resolution Graphic
School of Art Activities for children
Press Release Kit

Shipment:
1 X 40 and 1 x 20 containers to
nearest port
Delivery to Venue:
Containers by road to venue door
Forklift & pallet jacks directly to
exhibit area
HOSTING ENQUIRIES
On Application
General Enquiries:
GABRIELE NICCOLAI
LUIGI RIZZO
MARGARET HARRIS
Bookings via Email:
Director & CEO
Operations
Manager
19
Italy/Europe
Asia/Europe
USA/UK/AUS
Gabriele Niccolai
Luigi Rizzo
Margaret Harris
SPONSORSHIP PROPOSAL
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
AVAILABLE
One of the Key Elements behind every

successful Exhibition is the valued support
and contribution received from Corporate
and Official Sponsors and Partners.
Naming Rights Sponsor

Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
The Producers of the DA VINCI MACHINES &

ROBOTICS Exhibition recognise the important role
played by participating companies and organisations.
Becoming a Cash or In Kind Sponsor

or Partner of this World Class Exhibition
will secure many months of prime time
advertising, promotion and brand
awareness, whilst developing a
rewarding and exciting association with
a truly remarkable Exhibition.
In acknowledging the importance of and in

gratitude of participation, the Producers have
designed attractive sponsorship and partnership
benefits that can be tailored to suit every company
or organisation.
At the various levels of sponsorship available,

rewarding benefits such as these listed below, will
be customised to meet the Sponsor/Partner
requirements:
FURTHER INFORMATION
Luigi Rizzo
CEO and Director
THE NICCOLAI GROUP
Sales & Marketing Manager - Asia Pacific region
E xtrarizzo@yahoo.comau
Exhibition Naming Rights
Guaranteed Industry Exclusivity
Speaking Opportunity at Official Opening
Brand Awareness on all marketing and

promotional collateral including television,
Mob: +61 (0)404 683 768 (Australia)

Mob: +64 (0)2102 206 170 (New Zealand)
Mob: +39 3331 304 864 (Italy)
Mob: +1 801 3 182 142 (USA)
Mob: +8 8698 7476 944 (China)
radio, printed media, flags, banners, flyers

and official website
High Profile Exposure for your brand,

product or service
Margaret Harris
Head of Sales & Marketing, Promotion &
Communications
Brand inclusion on the Official Exhibition

Catalogue
M 61 (0)418 101 353 (Australia)

Postal:
INT Press Pty. Ltd. (ABN 93 072365130)
Suite 503A, 640 Swanston Street
Carlton VIC 3053 Australia
Tel +61 (0)3 9347 3489 Fax +61 (0)3 9347 3489
20
Brand Display within the Exhibition Foyer
VIP Invitations to Official Events
VIP Tickets for Guests and Clients
MEET THE PRESS
21
MEET THE PRESS
22
MEET THE PRESS
23
MEET THE PRESS
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN 2010
MUMBAI, INDIA 2011
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 2010

24
THE WORLDS 1
ST
ROBOT
Da Vincis Vision: The Mechanical Man

Codex Atlanticus f.579r
Below: The Sea odometer
LEONARDO DA VINCI
ROBOTICS EXHIBITION
THE NICCOLAI GROUP
ARTISANS OF FLORENCE PTY LTD
2009 NICCOLAI SNC

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Proudly affiliated

working, scaled robotic

In the 15th century, THE SCIENTIFIC Leonardo Da Vinci

In his wisdom, Leonardo disguised and encrypted

ON LOAN FROM THE LEONARDO DA VINCI MUSEUM, FLORENCE

THE NICCOLAI GROUP

Museum of Roman Civilization Museo Della Civilta Roma, Italy

MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

ABOUT THE MACHINES

Machina TECNOLOGIA DELLANTICA ROMA

THE NICCOLAI GROUP

OTHER TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS

MEET THE PRESS

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

A saying by Leonardo da Vinci

SECTION 2 ROBOTICS and MACHINES

Each exhibit in the Exhibition is accompanied by the da

SECTION 3 REPRODUCTION ART

Centre: Flying Drone Codex Atlanticus

ABOUT THE MACHINES

All anatomical models displayed in the DA VINCI

Top: Arm Muscle and Bone

ROBOTICS AND MACHINES

Over a period of a year, they kept returning to the

Centre right: The Robot Drummer

SECTION 3 ART REPRODUCTIONS

Virgin and Child with

The Last Supper

The Virgin of the Rocks

THE LAST SUPPER Supplement

The most prestigious commissions during the

Top: The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

Within a few years most of the original colour began

LIVE ART reconstruction by

De Vito uses a composite technique of pure fresco painting

This is the first time that a project of this kind has

I MURI DELLARTE FIRENZE