Press release

2020 Cultural Programme

Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci

After a profitable 2019, Clos Lucé is continuing its programme of initiatives to build on this success

The celebrations for the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci at the Château du Clos Lucé punctuated 2019 with major events, drawing 520,000 visitors - a 33% increase in footfall compared to 2018. This places Clos Lucé third in the list of most visited monuments in the Loire Valley. The château is continuing its growth in 2020 with the opening of a new space dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci Painter and Architect and a programme just as rich in events, increasing knowledge of the Italian master.

Summer 2020

Notable in 2020 is the opening of a new museum space in the heart of the grounds, presenting the main facets of the genius. The visitor is invited to explore the two floors devoted to Leonardo da Vinci Painter and Architect. On the ground floor, an immersive show using the latest technology transports the visitor into the master's world of painting and his preparatory drawings. Upstairs, Pascal Brioist* is in charge of the entire universe of Leonardo da Vinci, civil, military and religious architect. This is displayed through models, 3D animations and interactive exhibits.

* History professor and a member of the Centre d’études supérieures de la Renaissance, the Renaissance advanced studies centre.

2 March 2020

Originally created 10 years ago under Carlo Pedretti* aided by many, highly-qualified contributors, the "Leonardo da Vinci and France" exhibition is enjoying a new lease of life. An updated scenography and an expanded body of work showcase the many works produced by da Vinci for French kings over a decade. These include royal commissions, engineering projects and plans for sumptuous festivities.

* History of art professor emeritus and former chair of Leonardo studies and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

From 11 to 19 April 2020

Annual events will take place as usual at the Château du Clos Lucé in 2020. After a highly successful first edition, the week of educational activities known as "Effervesciences" will be held again during the Easter holidays with fun new workshops celebrating the effervescence and creative and innovative mind of Leonardo da Vinci. There will be a workshop on making flying machines, virtual reality activities and conferences designed for children.

16 April 2020

"Goût de/Good France" is an initiative of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs with, as its goal, a celebration of French gastronomy around the world. The Centre Val de Loire region is being showcased in this 6th edition. Clos Lucé is taking part in festivities by organising an exploration of Renaissance cuisine with all its spices, period vegetables now forgotten, dining styles and more.

THE OPENING OF A NEW MUSEUM SPACE OF 500 SQUARE METRES

THE REOPENING OF THE "LEONARDO DA VINCI AND FRANCE" EXHIBITION

THE SECOND EDITION OF "EFFERVESCIENCES"

GOÛT DE/GOOD FRANCE 2020

18 June 2020

After Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany and the UK, the 10th Leonardo da Vinci Prize will be awarded in Lyon. The winner is a family-owned international enterprise that symbolises the spirit of transmission and values da Vinci held so dear.

17, 18 and 19 July 2020

This year, director Didier Girauldon pays homage to William Shakespeare by staging a brand new creation, combining theatrical and musical reveries, based on the great British playwright's work A Midsummer Night's Dream.

August 2020

For the first time this summer, the Parc Leonardo da Vinci will open its gates during weekend evening after the usual closing time of the château, as night falls. Sound and light animations will enable visitors to (re)discover the grounds in a completely new and magical way.

25, 26 and 27 September 2020

15th edition

For a three-day period, the Château du Clos Lucé will put on a programme combining new compositions and Renaissance music classics. Since 2005, we have celebrated Leonardo da Vinci the musician and talented performer by inviting the most prestigious ensembles to his festival.

From 17 October to 1 November 2020

The second event of the year aimed especially at families and children, a special activity called "Which Leonardo are you?" will be held during the autumn half term holidays. Through workshops, activities and an educational trail, everyone can discover with which aspect of Leonardo da Vinci they most identify.

From 1 December 2020 to 3 January 2021

This event really has become a must-see. The Christmas fairies will be back at the end of the year to bedeck the château with seasonal decorations and organise activities and workshops for children, at the end of which they will be able to take their creations home with them.

THE TENTH EDITION OF THE LEONARDO DA VINCI PRIZE

NIGHT WALKS

Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci

www.vinci-closluce.com2 rue du Clos Lucé - 37400 Amboise

Tel. +33 (0)2 47 57 55 78

Catherine Simon Marion - Deputy Director

Press information - Nina Germain

Tel. +33 (0)2 47 57 55 78 / Port. +33 (0)6 47 47 31 87communication@vinci-closluce.com

THEATRICAL NIGHTS

THE EUROPEAN RENAISSANCE MUSIC FESTIVAL

"WHICH LEONARDO ARE YOU? "

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES