The world has long been captivated by Leonardo da Vinci’s remarkable inventions and insatiable curiosity. Now, this fascination takes flight in a groundbreaking exhibition titled Da Vinci’s First Flight, presented by the Artisans of Florence, on behalf of the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci.

Set to make its world premiere at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in February 2025, this immersive experience invites visitors to explore the incredible story of Zoroastro of Peretola, the young apprentice who may have been the first test pilot for one of Da Vinci’s legendary flying machines.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is celebrated not just as an artist, but as a visionary thinker who meticulously studied the principles of flight. His investigations encompassed the soaring grace of birds, the intricacies of bats, and even the delicate mechanics of dragonflies. His notebooks are filled with sketches and theories on aerodynamics and human flight, showcasing designs that were centuries ahead of their time. But did Leonardo ever bring his dreams of flight to life?

The narrative of Da Vinci’s First Flight begins in 1503, when Leonardo met Zoroastro, a spirited young man who would become his apprentice. Historical records hint at a secretive plan devised by Leonardo to build and test one of his remarkable flying machines. In his Codex Atlanticus, Leonardo cryptically notes the need to create a private testing environment, ensuring that curious eyes couldn’t interrupt his groundbreaking work: “Board up the top room... if you stay on the roof alongside the tower they can’t see you.”

Yet, following the proposed flight, historical documentation about Zoroastro’s flight vanishes.

This tantalizing gap in the story left scholars puzzled for centuries. The mystery of Zoroastro’s fate—did he succeed, or did something go tragically wrong?—remained unsolved until recently.

In 2018, Gabriele Niccolai, head artisan of the Niccolai Group and owner of the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, received a tip about a local historian in Peretola who had been gathering original documents and accounts related to Zoroastro. This revelation opened new avenues for research, reigniting hope that the enigmatic story of Da Vinci's First Flight could finally be unraveled.

Visitors to Da Vinci’s First Flight at the San Diego Air & Space Museum will be treated to over 30 stunning, large-scale replicas of Leonardo's flying machines, meticulously crafted by award-winning artisans. The exhibition offers hands-on experiments and interactive exhibits, providing a comprehensive exploration of Da Vinci’s aeronautical genius. Highlights include:

• A Life-Sized Hang Glider: Marvel at a 36-foot replica of Da Vinci's hang glider, recreated to embody the elegance and innovation of the Renaissance master.
• The World's First Drones: Encounter some of the earliest mechanical drones designed by Da Vinci, concepts that were far ahead of their time.
• Interactive Flight Experiments: Engage with exhibits that delve into gliding, parachutes, and the technical flight instruments that Leonardo envisioned.
• Lost Secrets Unveiled: Discover the hidden designs of Da Vinci’s pioneering flying inventions, including the clockwork dragonfly-drone and his ingenious Spherical Glider.
• Immersive Glider Simulation: Experience the thrill of soaring over the Tuscan hills in a virtual simulation of Da Vinci’s glider.

Da Vinci’s First Flight promises to be a transformative experience, shedding light on the life of a remarkable apprentice and the genius of Leonardo, and promising to change the history of flight as we know it. As we ponder the mysteries of the past, this exhibition invites us to dream of the heights that creativity can achieve.

Da Vinci’s First Flight will make its world premiere at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park in February 2025.