The Leonardo 🇺🇸

If you are looking into the cultural history of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, you will likely encounter The Leonardo. Operating from 2011 until its permanent closure in 2025, this unique destination functioned as a science and art museum where visitors could explore the fascinating ways science, technology, art, and human creativity connect. The museum’s overarching educational philosophy drew direct inspiration from the famous Renaissance figure Leonardo da Vinci.

It embraced his boundless curiosity and his core belief that the arts and sciences are simply parts of the very same enterprise—a perspective the institution felt was increasingly relevant for helping modern minds synthesize vast amounts of information. Managed by a board of directors and an internal staff, the venue eventually closed permanently in 2025 due to the rising costs of maintaining its infrastructure. During its operational years, you could experience captivating temporary displays such as Gunther von Hagens's "Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out." This specific exhibition showcased intricate plastinated sculptures featuring a diverse range of creatures, including a great white shark holding a seal, a lion pouncing on an oryx, cheetahs, elephants, gorillas, and even a human.

While no longer open, it remains a notable chapter in Utah's museum history.

What to see at The Leonardo

• Explored the intersection of science, technology, art, and creativity
• Educational philosophy inspired by Renaissance figure Leonardo da Vinci
• Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah from 2011 to 2025
• Hosted temporary exhibitions like Gunther von Hagens's Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out
• Showcased plastinated animal sculptures ranging from marine life to large mammals

Visiting tips

Please note that The Leonardo closed permanently in 2025 due to rising infrastructure costs, so you should adjust your Salt Lake City travel itinerary accordingly.

How long: N/A (Permanently closed) · Best time: N/A (Permanently closed)

How to get there & what’s nearby

The Leonardo is easy to reach on Salt Lake City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Church History Museum and Hogle Zoo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Salt Lake City travel guide.