An aerial screw which will feature in Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Genius exhibition. Photos: Science Museum/PA Wire

A major exhibition dedicated to the genius of Leonardo da Vinci will open at London’s Science Museum next month.

Drawings, models and interactive installations will bring the Italian Renaissance polymath’s ideas to life and demonstrate how he inspired future generations of engineers and artists.

Da Vinci was not only one of history’s greatest painters, whose legendary works included The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa, but also an exceptional draughtsman.

At the age of 20, he was employed in a workshop on the site of Florence cathedral where he began making drawings of cranes and machinery, often trying to improve on the efficiency of existing designs.

An artist’s visualisation of the works exhibited at London’s Science Museum next month.

The new exhibition re-interprets the drawings in three-dimensional form.

It also features 39 historical models based on concepts for flying machines, diving apparatus and weapons, which were constructed in 1952 to mark the 500th anniversary of da Vinci’s birth.

They will be displayed across the five sections of the exhibition, each focusing on a different area of knowledge and expertise.

Da Vinci’s influence on biomimicry – looking to nature for engineering solutions to challenges such as flight – are also explored.

An armoured vehicle which will feature in the exhibition.

Museum director Ian Blatchford said: “Leonardo da Vinci is one of history’s greatest independent thinkers, whose determination to imagine the world a new inspired humankind for generations and will continue to do so for generations to come.

“We hope this unique exhibition helps our visitors understand more about his skilled and innovative approach to engineering and to be inspired to look afresh at the world around them.”

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Genius opens on February 10 and will run until September 4.