Big Day for The Leonardo
On Oct. 20, The Leonardo held a VIP event to thank our major donors and to make several big announcements. Here's a summary of the highlights:
Opening Day!
Mayor Ralph Becker announced that The Leonardo will open on April 15, 2011 — which also happens to be Leonardo da Vinci's 557th birthday.
Dr. Mario Capecchi, Oct. 20. Photograph by Brian Nicholson. Download a high-resolution version of this photograph.
Nobel Prize Winner Named Senior Advisor
Nobel Prize winner Mario Cappechi, Ph.D., who also delivered the event's keynote address, has agreed to serve as senior advisor to the organization. "The willingness of one of our most innovative citizens to lend his name and expertise to this project speaks volumes to how important he thinks The Leonardo is to Utah's future," said Will West, chairman of The Leonardo's Board of Directors. Click here to read the press release.
Dr. Mario Capecchi, Oct. 20. Photograph by Brian Nicholson. Download a high-resolution version of this photograph.
Donors Recognized
The Leonardo also recognized our major donors, who have supported the organization over the years. Spencer F. Eccles, chairman and CEO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, spoke on behalf of The Leonardo's Major Cornerstone Donors, which also include: Bruce W. Bastian, the OC Tanner Company, and Micron Technology Foundation. The Utah State Legislature, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency also received recognition in this category, as did Salt Lake City voters, who approved a $10 million bond for The Leonardo building. For a full list of The Leonardo's major donors, visit our Partners and Sponsors page.
Mr. Spencer F. Eccles (left) and Dr. Mario Capecchi, Oct. 20. Photograph by Brian Nicholson. Download a high-resolution version of this photograph.
Bubble Wall Prototype Previewed
Also at the event, The Leonardo previewed a prototype of one of our Science Stations. The "bubble wall" is a 20-foot-by-5-foot soap film sheet that teaches visitors about the molecular structure of water, surface tension, and light reflection and refraction. The Leonardo will add projections and light, and possibly even sound to the exhibit. By adding these artistic elements, The Leonardo will transform a fun science lesson into a full-blown science-tech-art experience.
Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon (left) and The Leonardo Exhibit Designer Ben Wiemeyer, Oct. 20. Photograph by Brian Nicholson. Download a high-resolution version of this photograph.
Contact: Lisa Davis, 801-230-9399, lisadavisslc@att.net
