Leonardo at MLK

We don't have free universal health care or higher education but one thing we do have in Washington are plenty of free museums and exhibitions. Although you may be thinking of the various Smithsonian museums (and you should -- they are great!), there are multiple other venues with intriguing and thought provoking offerings.  For example, at the MLK Library, the flagship of the city's public libraries, you can now view 12 original drawings from Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus, a collection of the great man's drawings and notes done between 1478 and 1519.  These are small pen and ink or pencil works detailing various mechanical works. It's a tiny gem of an exhibit that will make you wonder at the man's genius and marvel that he once held these pieces of paper in his hands.  And while you are there, check out the other exhibits as well as the beautifully refurbished building designed by Mies van de Rohe.

Imagining the Future is open to the public seven days a week through August 20th.