Exploring Art and Innovation: Our School Excursion to Lume (Da Vinci) and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

On Tuesday, the students at St Charles embarked on an excursion to Lume (Da Vinci) and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). This trip was not just an escape from the classroom; it was an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the world of art and innovation and seeing how digital technologies (our inquiry topic this term) were used to create a unique space.

Lume (Da Vinci): A Journey into the Mind of a Master

Our first stop was Lume, a spectacular immersive exhibition dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. As we entered, we were enveloped in vibrant projections of Da Vinci’s masterpieces. The blend of sight and sound transported us into his world, allowing us to experience art like never before!

Walking through the space, we encountered animated interpretations of iconic works such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. The dynamic display made the paintings come alive! It was fascinating to see how technology can enhance our understanding and appreciation of art!

One of the highlights was the section dedicated to Da Vinci's inventions. We learned about his sketches of flying machines and anatomical studies, realising how his curiosity and creativity laid the groundwork for modern science and engineering. The interactive exhibits invited us to experiment with some of these concepts, it was especially great to see the students (and one student in particular) build a replica of the emergency bridge based off da Vinci’s design.

National Gallery of Victoria: A Treasure Trove of Culture

After soaking in the brilliance of Da Vinci, we made our way to the NGV. The gallery houses an impressive collection of art from around the world. We were greeted by the grand entrance, which set the tone for an inspiring afternoon.

The students especially loved the stained glass ceiling of one room and the ancient artefacts unearthed from Europe. 

Reflecting on the Experience

As we returned to school with a bunch of tired students, they reflected on the excursion and everything they had seen during the day. Many students shared reflections of the digital presentations and music they experienced at Lume and the enormity of what da Vinci brought to our world.