Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is commonly known as the man who painted the Mona Lisa, but he was so much more than just an artist. As an inventor, engineer, designer, anatomist, and all-around thinker, his ideas for human flight and technological innovation of all kinds are still being contemplated to this day. Anyone curious about the science and technology that da Vinci inspired should pay a visit to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, which houses an extraordinary collection of drawings, models, and interactive labs that give new life to the Renaissance legend. Founded in 1953, it's Italy's largest museum of science and technology, occupying a 16th century Olivetan monastery complete with cloisters, gardens, and a series of ornate galleries. An exhibit of machine models based on da Vinci's blueprints shows just how ahead of their time his ideas were, particular for his flying machines (see video). Elsewhere in the museum are exhibits on transport, materials, and modern communications, and there's even a submarine to explore, the Enrico Toti. Having designed an early version of the submarine, I think da Vinci would approve. Starwood has four hotels in Milan, including the luxurious Westin Palace, Milan.
