The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology is Italy’s largest science and technology museum, housed in a former 16th-century Olivetan monastery near Sant’Ambrogio in Milan. Its cloisters lead into galleries of locomotives, aircraft and engines, making the contrast between old stone and industrial invention part of the visit.
Opened in 1953, the museum takes its name from Leonardo, who spent many years in Milan working for the Sforza court. The Leonardo Gallery brings his drawings to life through models of flying machines, hydraulic devices and mechanical studies. Elsewhere, collections spanning rail transport, energy, materials and telecommunications trace the development of technologies that reshaped everyday life.
The range makes this a rewarding Milan museum for families, engineering enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. Alongside the large transport exhibits, interactive labs offer a more hands-on experience. The Enrico Toti submarine is a particular draw, with visits inside available as a separate experience. The museum also pairs well with Leonardo’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, a short walk away.
Allow at least three hours, and longer if you plan to join a workshop or submarine visit. Sant’Ambrogio station on the M2 metro line is a few minutes away on foot. Check the official website for opening days, lab schedules and submarine tickets before visiting, as some experiences require a separate booking or time slot.