Leonardo Interactive Museum in Florence: Experience the genius up close!
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The Leonardo Interactive Museum at Via dei Servi 66/r is located just steps from the Duomo and the Galleria dell'Accademia – right in the heart of the Renaissance metropolis of Florence . For over 20 years, visitors have been able to not only view but also operate replicas of Leonardo da Vinci 's machines . The museum is open daily (as of 2026).
Key facts at a glance
- Address: Via dei Servi 66/r, 50122 Florence (between the Cathedral and Piazza Santissima Annunziata)
- Opening hours: Daily 9:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m., last admission one hour before closing.
- Admission: online €8,30, concession €7,30 (3–17 years, students up to 21), under 3 years free (as of November 2026)
- Tickets: online with time slots – directly on the official website of the museum or at GetYourGuide
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour, recommended for children aged 7-8 years and older.
What makes the Leonardo Interactive Museum so special?
Unlike many traditional art exhibitions, this museum, which has been delighting visitors from all over the world for over 20 years, says: Touching is expressly encouraged!
As a fully interactive museum, it allows you not only to view the ingenious inventions from Leonardo's famous codices (his notebooks and sketchbooks), but also to set them in motion yourself. Master craftsmen from Italy have meticulously recreated these devices using materials from that era.
You can try these highlights yourself:
- The armored car: A huge structure, considered a precursor to modern tanks.
- The propeller & the vertical ornithopter: Leonardo's incredible studies on conquering the skies (an early helicopter).
- The pressure apparatus & the hydraulic saw: Revolutionary helpers for the industry of that time.
- War machines: From impressive catapults to complex threaded mechanisms.
Each machine is complemented by high-resolution sketches by the master craftsman and detailed explanations in seven languages (including German). This allows you to immediately understand how advanced his thinking was.
Become an inventor yourself in the interactive lab
A highlight – especially for children – is the laboratory area, which is included in the ticket price and requires no registration. Here, you can build Leonardo's self-supporting wooden bridge with your own hands, construct a small dome, or tinker with geometric shapes (polyhedra). This makes Leonardo's technology hands-on.
The most important facts for your visit
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| official website | leonardointeractivemuseum.com |
| Address | Via dei Servi 66/r, 50122 Florence |
| Opening hours | Täglich 9:30–19:30 Uhr (auch sonn- und feiertags), letzter Einlass eine Stunde vor Schließung; an Silvester und am 25. Dezember kürzer |
| Entry (as of November 2026) | Online €8,30 regular, €7,30 reduced; guided tour €14,90 incl. admission (Sat/Sun only, in Italian). Not participating in the free Sunday promotion of state museums. |
| Duration of the visit | Approximately 1 hour – ideal as an active break between the Cathedral and the Accademia Gallery. |
| Target Group | Tech enthusiasts, adults and families; children from about 7-8 years old, only when accompanied by an adult. |
| Practical information | No luggage storage; strollers allowed, but must be folded in the shop; no flash or tripod allowed for photos. |
| How to find us | The museum is located in the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) of the old town – if you are arriving by car, park outside and come on foot or by bus/tram. |
Navigation tip: When turning from the Duomo onto Via dei Servi , don't be misled by signs in side streets leading to a different Leonardo museum. There are several Leonardo exhibitions with similar names on Via dei Servi – look for number 66/r.
Our tip
- We were here with our son – perfect for breaking up a tiring day of culture in Florence for the little ones.
- It's best to buy tickets in advance to avoid queuing.
Tickets for the Leonardo Interactive Museum
The museum requires online booking with a fixed time slot; discounts are often available online. Alternatively, you can find tickets at GetYourGuide: Leonardo Interactive Museum – Tickets.
Alternative: Museo Leonardiano in Vinci
If you want to delve deeper into Leonardo's life, a trip to Vinci , west of Florence on the Montalbano hill, is worthwhile. The Museo Leonardiano (Palazzina Uzielli and Castello dei Conti Guidi) displays models of his machines; his birthplace is located about 3 km outside of Vinci in Anchiano. A combined ticket for the museum and birthplace costs €14 (as of 2026); open daily from 9:30 am in summer, shorter hours in winter, and closed on Tuesdays from November to February. More information: museoleonardiano.it.
More about Florence and the surrounding area
For more ideas for your stay, see our Florence city tour , the page about the province of Florence , and the best time to travel to Tuscany . Find accommodation in the city center at Booking.com: Hotels in Florence.
Find accommodation in Florence
Frequently Asked Questions about the Leonardo Interactive Museum
Is the Leonardo Interactive Museum suitable for children?
Yes. Since you can touch and operate most of the models, it's ideal for families. The museum recommends a visit for children aged 7-8 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need to reserve the tickets in advance?
The museum requires online booking with a time slot; discounts are often available online. Tickets can be purchased on the official website or here in the ticket shop.
What are the opening times?
Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m., including Sundays and public holidays. Last admission is one hour before closing (as of 2026).
What does the entry cost?
Online €8,30 regular, €7,30 reduced for 3- to 17-year-olds and students up to 21 years; children under 3 years free (as of November 2026).
Is there a luggage storage facility?
No. Travel light. Strollers are allowed, but must be folded up in the shop area.
Where was Leonardo da Vinci born?
In Anchiano near Vinci, west of Florence. There you can visit his birthplace and the Museo Leonardiano.
