The Leonardo Museum is one of the best things to do with kids in Salt Lake City, Utah. Located in Library Square, this museum combines art, science, and creativity. It was inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci because he believed that art and science were of the same entity. Not only are there ever-changing exhibits, which means you can go multiple times for new experiences, but they hold youth programs, special events, and more. Before planning your trip, check out our guide of things to do there and easy tips!
What is the Leonardo Museum?
The Leonardo Museum opened its doors in October 2011. Since then, it’s been a wonderful exhibit that is often visited during field trips and special events. But even if you aren’t going with your child’s school, this is a great place to visit. Their philosophy is that science, creativity, art, and technology can combine for world-renowned exhibits. And, they’re successful. They change out their exhibits, have fun trivia nights, and even cater to those who have special sensory needs on Mondays, making it a museum that’s friendly for all.
Where is the Leonardo Museum?
The Leonardo Museum is located at 209 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. It is in downtown Salt Lake City right in the heart of the city. You can find it on the corner of Library Square. It is a modern building that is often lit up with different colors, but during the day, it’s all concrete.
How Do I Get To the Leonardo Museum?
If you’re coming from south of Salt Lake City, take I-15 North until you hit the 600 South exit in salt Lake City. Then, head east toward the mountains, turning left of 200 East.
If you’re coming from north of Salt Lake City, take I-15 South until you get to the 400 South exit. Then, head east, turning right onto 200 East.
Click here to get a map with directions wherever you’re located!
Leonardo Museum Hours
Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM
Monday 10 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday 10 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday 10 AM – 5 PM
Thursday 10 AM – 5 PM
Friday 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Leonardo Museum Parking
The one downside of the Leonardo Museum is figuring out parking. If you’re looking for free parking, that’s only available on the weekends with the free 2-hour meter parking. If it’s not a weekend, you’ll have to pay the meter parking. Library Square also has underground parking that you can pay for by the hour.
How Much is the Leonardo Museum?
When it comes to ticket prices for the Leonardo Museum, it varies depending on the exhibits and activities that you’re going to. The Leonardo Museum has general exhibits called Flights, Mines to Vines, Alive, Perception, and the Innovation Showcase. This also includes daily special events. Some of these are:
- Easy Experiments
- Pilot in Training
- Leonardo Museum Tour
- Pop Up Camps
- And more
However, the Leonardo Museum also has special exhibits that change throughout the year. These are traveling exhibits seen at some of the top museums in the country. Some of these exhibits are Pompeii, which includes real artifacts from the Pompeii disaster. These get changed about every six months, and the exhibit is always fresh and new.
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The Leonardo Museum Ticket Prices
General Admission tickets:
Adults (16-64) $12.95
Kids (3-15) $8.95
Kids under 3 Free
Seniors (65+) $9.95
Student & Military $9.95
Special Exhibits (also includes general admission activities)
Adults (16-64) $25.00
Kids (3-15) $20.00
Kids under 3 Free
Seniors (65+) $22.00
Student & Military $22.00
What is at the Leonardo Museum?
You may think that there are not enough fun things to do at the Leonardo Museum, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! You’ll be able to spend hours at the many exhibits and fun activities that are provided there.
Flight Exhibit
The Flight exhibit is one of the most popular general admission exhibits at the Leonardo museum. This explores the history of human flight, from first flight to today’s airplanes and space flights. There are plenty of interactive exhibits, like hopping in a huge aircraft, doing a flight simulation, or going into the Tunnel of Dreams. Then, you can do the pilot in training course too.
Mines to Vines
Many don’t think about the impact of landmines, but in this exhibit, it’s unavoidable. Partnered with human rights activists, this exhibit explores how to reclaim the spaces that are ruined from landmines of the past wars. You can plant your own seed of peace after looking at the many things being done around the world today.
Alive!
Science combined with human emotions and feelings, this exhibit at the Leonardo Museum explores the main components that make us human and how it affects us all. You can test your abilities, read all about the brain, and the poetry of life.
Perception
Did you know that your mind leaves things out? By isolating different senses, this exhibit teaches an important lesson about how your mind can manipulate your surroundings. This exhibit is perfect for adults or teens, but younger kids may like the tactile boxes where they can feel different things in boxes.
Innovation Showcase
This exhibit explores all the amazing things that have been invented in Utah. From the frisbee to amazing women inventors, you’ll get a look into Utah’s history and see just how interesting it is. This spans from thousands of years back to today, so there’s a lot to look at.
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Leonardo Museum Special Exhibits
Every few months, they switch out their special exhibit. Until June 2020, the exhibit is Pompeii. Because these exhibits are so popular, you should expect to have fairly long lines and wait times. It’s always a new and exciting activity!
Special Activities
There are also special activities that the Leonardo Museum hosts, including:
- Sensory Mondays: The first Monday of every month, the museum is free to those with special sensory processing delays. The museum will be transformed to accommodate sensory specialities.
- Trivia Night: Ages 13+ can enjoy trivia the second Friday of each month. Play by yourself or with a group!
- Tech Take Apart: Once a month in the summer, they hold tech take apart. This is where all ages can explore taking apart pieces of tech, like printers and more.
- Make and Take: Every Saturday, visitors can make a small experiment or craft and take it home with them.
- Little Leo Mondays: Once a month, they hold a special event for preschool-aged children to explore STEAM activities.
Where To Eat Near the Leonardo Museum
If you get hungry and are looking for restaurants near the Leonardo museum, you’re in luck! There are plenty of quick bites nearby. The Leonardo Museum actually has a restaurant inside the museum called Salt Bistro. It has very good reviews and is mostly sandwiches and quick bites. If you’re looking for something closeby after the museum, there’s the delicious Mexican restaurant Taco Taco. Or a modern, sit down restaurant serving up mouth-watering Italian dishes is Cannella’s. You can’t go wrong with any of these places!
Leonardo Museum Tips
- Go on the weekend to get free 2-hour parking
- Explore the many general exhibits
- Don’t miss out on the fun activities that are scheduled each day
- If you’re doing the special exhibit, plan for long wait times
- Grab a quick bite afterward for a fun day in downtown Salt Lake City!
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Salt Lake City, the Leonardo Museum is one you’ll have to visit. Whether you’re going with your family or for date night, there’s something for everyone at this museum. And if you’re in the process of moving to Salt Lake City, we’d love to do the heavy lifting for you! Wasatch Moving Co. is the best Salt Lake City moving company, so give us a call for a free quote!
