Scenic wonders abound in Sedona, a desert destination full of opportunities to have the time of your life with your closest friends. Surrounded by red rock canyons and forest greenery, Sedona is located a mere two hours from the Grand Canyon and only a 90-minute drive north of Phoenix, making it a must-visit destination for visitors.
Groups could take a look inside one of the world's most well-known minds, thanks to a new exhibit at the Biltmore estate in Asheville. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius—open now through February 20, 2023 at Amherst at Deerpark on the estate's grounds—is the third installment of Biltmore's Legends of Art & Innovation exhibition series.
Leonardo da Vinci explains and draws together all aspects of da Vinci's life and times, his key achievements, and how his talents, thoughts, innovations and inventions are still just as relevant today, some 500 years later. This immersive experience includes replicas of da Vinci's large-scale machine inventions and detailed reproductions of his masterpiece paintings, codices and drawings.
Twenty models of the machines that da Vinci designed are featured, with each model constructed directly from the pages of da Vinci's codices. Artisans who did the work used materials readily available in the 15th century including wood, cotton, brass, iron, canvas and chord.
The exhibition also examines Da Vinci's achievements in painting. Of his well-known masterpieces, visiting groups could learn about creation of the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and the Vitruvian Man, one of da Vinci's most famous and recognizable illustrations.
Leonard da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius compliments the ingenuity and innovation that were required to design and build the 250-room Biltmore House. Working with architect Richard Morris Hunt, George Vanderbilt invested in as much modern and cutting-edge technology that was available at the time for his home.
"I think that George Vanderbilt would certainly have been aware of Leonardo da Vinci's works and legacy—likely more so than those living during da Vinci's time," said Meghan Forest, archives and curatorial assistant at Biltmore. "He kept a travel diary during an 1880 trip to Italy in which he discusses his viewing of da Vinci's The Last Supper. Additionally, Vanderbilt's personal art collection includes a set of miniature paintings of history's great artists, authors, and thinkers. Da Vinci is among them."
When Vanderbilt moved into Biltmore House in 1895, it was a model of modern technology. It had electrical wiring, underwater lighting in the swimming pool in the home's basement, telephones, and two elevators, both of which are used daily at Biltmore House.
"The basis for some of these would have been rooted in da Vinci's concepts," Forest said.
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is brought to Biltmore by Grande Experiences. More information about the exhibit and tickets are available here.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of Biltmore Estate.
Groups could soon see the natural splendor and rolling hills of Northern Michigan from a new view, thanks to SkyBridge Michigan in Boyne Falls. The new attraction, set to be completed and open in fall 2022, will be the world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge.
Seattle, regarded as the U.S. hub for studio glass art, is inviting visitors to experience the colorful magic of Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience. Back for its fourth year, Refract has become a favorite festival for visitors and locals alike. Returning October 13-16, the 2022 program will feature new exhibitions, parties, studio tours, live demonstrations and opportunities to connect directly with studio glass artists—from rising local talents to master glassmakers.
Experience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for Ohio's capital city, recently launched its new Accessibility Guide to highlight Columbus as an inclusive destination that's welcoming and accessible to all. The new Accessibility Guide serves as a resource for visitors and locals seeking information on accessible Columbus attractions, hotels, restaurants and transportation options.
