The Da Vinci Science Center (DSC), as it is known popularly today, took shape in July 2003 with the merger of the Discovery Center of Science and Technology and Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse, Inc. (LDVHI) – the nonprofit organization that actualized Leonardo’s vision of placing a 24-foot bronze horse statue in Milan, Italy.

Leonardo envisioned “Il Cavallo” in the 15th century, but war and circumstance prevented him from completing this masterpiece. The late Charles C. Dent of Allentown, Pa. – a retired commercial airline pilot, diplomatic activist, and arts patron – dedicated the final 17 years of his life to bring The Horse to life. While Charles C. Dent passed away in 1994, the organization he carried on, unveiling the completed statue on September 10, 1999, before a worldwide audience. The statue stands as a symbol of goodwill between the American people and the people of Italy.

 


The leaders of both the Discovery Center and LDVHI shared a passion for igniting curious minds by engaging them in active, hands-on learning. Both groups also appreciated how their respective disciplines connected with other elements of the human experience.

Focused on making science fun and accessible for curious minds of all ages and showcasing connections between disciplines, the merged organization adopted Leonardo and The Horse as inspiring embodiments of the inquiry method, the connections between science and the arts, curiosity, creativity, and imagination. The organization also adopted the Seven Principles of genius, as outlined in Michael J. Gelb’s bestselling book “How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci,” as guides for pursuing knowledge through hands-on inquiry.
 

See Also

• The Story of Leonardo’s Horse
• The Sculpting of Leonardo’s Horse
• The People of Leonardo’s Horse
• The Additional Horses
• The Seven Principles
• Merger News Release (.pdf)