The exhibition, "Leonardo da Vinci, Inventor and Scientist," will be displayed at the International Exhibition Centre in Gournes from April through October, it was announced at a recent press conference.

On hand to discuss the upcoming event were (from left) Petros Gaitanos from the German Institute that tours the exhibit; Yiorgos Hirakakis, president of Gouves Development; Angelos Karambikas, president of Alfa Exhibits, which is handling the production of the display; Gouves Mayor Yiorgos Nikolakakis, and Mihalis Papadakis, director of CretAquarium.

The display, which has been drawing crowds throughout Europe, is being organized by the Gouves Township, with the support of the Hellenic Marine Research – CretAquarium.  

 
"This exhibition has cultural and educational content, but is also a wonderful tourist attraction," said Mr. Karambikas, while Mayor Nikolakakis characterized it as an "event of international scope, which has been in the making for two years. We took a risk in bringing the exhibition to the Greek countryside. But in this period of economic downslide we must all help the economy and tourism.  

Mr. Hirakakis pointed out that "the Gouves Municipality offers many possibilities to the visitor coming to view the exhibit. He can enjoy the aquarium, lovely hotels and good restaurants, as well as traditional settlements in the hinterland, our public beach, caves, monasteries, and archaeological sites."  

The exhibition will include 120 copies of notes, designs, sketches and studies of inventions by Leonardo which cover all his scientific endeavours.

According to exhibition organizers, da Vinci, an illegitimate child, renowned painter and all-around Renaissance man, has captivated the minds of our generation. Ever since "The da Vinci Code" has sparked interest for a greater look into the mind of this genius, it seems nobody can get enough of the history behind the man.