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 500 th 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 6 th 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