Milan's National Museum of Science and Technology () is housed in a 16th-century monastery, and features a collection of more than 16,000 items - including models based on da Vinci's engineering sketches. It's a fascinating place to delve into the mind of whiz-genius overachiever da Vinci, and learn about cutting-edge tech.Leonardo da Vinci was a true Renaissance man (and not just because he was alive during the Italian Renaissance). His interests ranged from the study of nature and anatomy to military and hydraulic engineering. Not only a renowned painter, he's often credited with inventing the parachute, helicopter and tank. His observations and ideas can be seen in the thousands of drawings made throughout his life and career as painter and engineer.And Milan's National Museum of Science and Technology is a fitting tribute: huge and filled with experiments on subjects from energy to communication, its scope seems to reflect the great man's restless mind. There are seven different departments, each of which studies and researches in the areas of their collection, as well as creating exhibitions and educational activities. Highlights include the New Frontiers Department, with its space area (including a chunk of moon rock),the Ocean Liner and the submarine .Kids in particular love the engaging interactivity, but really the whole family will find the time flying by, the way da Vinci hoped his 'ornithopter' would. Come curious and leave engaged and informed (and even more curious). A hot tip: the museum is so engaging that you can easily spend a whole day here - so long as you keep the blood sugar up. There's no café, but if you pack lunch and/or snacks you can avoid eating lunch out of a vending machine, and watch your child's eyes grow wide with wonder all day long.
