Château du Clos Lucé

A magnificent treasure chest for the architectural, historical, and scientific wonders it contains—this is the most fitting definition of the Château du Clos Lucé. These are treasures of immeasurable value. Planning a visit to this remarkable site means carefully selecting from the many attractions spread throughout the castle’s main residence, its underground galleries, and the vast surrounding park. To fully appreciate the richness of this Loire Valley destination, it is essential to explore in detail what can be seen inside this former royal residence, now a true temple dedicated to the memory of Leonardo da Vinci. Every corner, every room, and every pathway offers opportunities for admiration and deeper understanding that deserve close attention. 

The main exhibition route begins inside the fifteenth-century residence. The first essential stop is Leonardo da Vinci’s Bedroom. This austere yet refined space exudes a unique atmosphere filled with solemn character. It was here that the master lived and died on May 2, 1519. The room preserves a majestic carved Renaissance bed, decorated with heavy fabrics, as well as a large fireplace bearing the royal coat of arms. Nearby is the room of Margaret of Navarre, the elder sister of Francis I, who lived at Clos Lucé during her youth. The room is enhanced by splendid period furniture and tapestries that reflect the understated luxury of the French court. 

Continuing through the residence, visitors encounter Leonardo’s three workshops, recently restored with rigorous historical accuracy. Exploring these spaces offers valuable insight into the scientist’s creative process. Here, visitors can see measuring instruments, drafting tables, faithfully reproduced manuscripts, natural painting pigments, and alchemical flasks. Within these rooms, where some of Leonardo’s final engineering and artistic ideas took shape, stands a grand period fireplace that remains functional to this day, alongside a table set with pewter and ceramic tableware, providing an extraordinary glimpse into the daily life and dining habits of the household. 

On the lower floor, a visit to the Council Chamber is unmissable. This was the place where Leonardo welcomed distinguished guests, including King Francis I. The room is characterized by an impressive Renaissance fireplace and elegant handcrafted furnishings. From here, visitors can access the Gothic chapel built of white tuffeau stone, commissioned by Charles VIII in honor of his wife, Anne of Brittany. This precious architectural gem is adorned with frescoes attributed to Leonardo’s school, including a striking representation of the Virgin of Light, which fills the space with an atmosphere of spirituality and contemplation. 

In the castle’s underground level lies the extraordinary Gallery of Models. Here, forty machines are displayed, created by IBM at the end of the twentieth century and faithfully based on the original designs found in Leonardo’s codices. Among the most impressive inventions are prototypes of the first submarine, the bicycle, the parachute, a spring-powered automobile, as well as various textile machines and military devices. Enhancing the experience are four interactive 3D animations that demonstrate the mechanical operation of these visionary creations, showcasing Leonardo’s extraordinary foresight and his ability to anticipate technological developments centuries ahead of his time. 

Outside, visitors enter the Leonardo da Vinci Park, a monumental area where nature and science blend harmoniously. Following the park’s pathways, visitors encounter twenty giant interactive machines, built at full scale and fully operational. Among the highlights are the mobile tank, which visitors can operate from inside, the aerial screw, considered a precursor to the helicopter, the hydraulic wheel, and the revolving assault bridge. The integration of these creations into the landscape allows visitors to experience physics in a direct and engaging way, including walking across the impressive two-level bridge standing twenty meters high, built entirely from solid wood according to Leonardo’s precise structural calculations. 

The itinerary concludes with a visit to Leonardo’s Garden and the permanent exhibition Leonardo da Vinci, Painter and Inventor. The garden is an extraordinary botanical creation that recreates the landscapes featured in the genius’s paintings, including The Annunciation and Virgin of the Rocks, with the aid of a misting system that evokes Leonardo’s famous sfumato technique. In the modern exhibition gallery, a spectacular immersive projection examines the details of the seventeen surviving paintings attributed to Leonardo, offering visitors a close-up perspective on the technical complexity and timeless beauty of his masterpieces.