Copernicus and da Vinci – post-competition exhibition

At the Gallery and Centre of Children’s Creative Art in Nowomiejski Market Square in Toruń, starting tomorrow (September 17), visitors can see the post-competition exhibition of artworks “Leonardo da Vinci, Nicolaus Copernicus – A Meeting of Two Geniuses.”

The award ceremony for the competition took place today at noon at Baj Pomorski Theatre with the participation of Vice-Marshal of the region, Zbigniew Ostrowski.

Nicolaus Copernicus and Leonardo da Vinci – two outstanding figures of the Renaissance. Their genius revolutionized many fields, and their works will forever remain part of humanity’s heritage. Although they came from different countries, were separated by a significant age difference, education, and social background, they were undoubtedly united by their curiosity about the world and openness to new ideas. Had they met – which was highly unlikely – they would surely have had much to say to each other.

This imagined encounter became the inspiration for the competition. Its result is a collection of artworks now presented at the Gallery and Centre of Children’s Creative Art in Toruń. The young authors – children and teenagers – invite us into their world of imagination through paintings, drawings, and graphic works. They reveal a rich variety of depictions: genre scenes, landscapes, and above all, portraits – vivid representations of Copernicus and da Vinci, who become the symbolic hosts of this exhibition. Together, we stroll through the streets and squares of Italian towns, visit museums, stop at a pizzeria where Copernicus orders a large capricciosa, then move on to Leonardo’s studio to admire his freshly finished portrait of Lady Lisa. There’s also a trip to the barber, a chess match, and stargazing. The creativity of these young artists is truly impressive.

For the competition, organized by the Gallery and Centre of Children’s Creative Art and the Toruń city government, 746 works were submitted. The summary exhibition, on display from September 17 to October 13, presents 200 of the best entries, including paintings, drawings, and graphic works by thirty prize winners.

Gallery and Centre of Children’s Creative Art
Press Office of the Marshal’s Office

September 16, 2025