The family and I woke up early this morning to take part in a tour at the Discovery Times Square Exposition (DTSX) located on 44th St., between 7th and 8th avenues.  This location is the former home to The New York Times and still holds on to many signs of it having been there. I found this to be something that I immediately loved about the space, because it gave it both character and really showed a respect for the history.

We were there primarily to see the Leonardo Da Vinci’s Workshop exhibit. I have always been fascinated by this man. His inventions, his art, the amazing creations he had sketched so far ahead of his time. It’s like one of our hosts at the Discovery told us, “He came up with so many ideas and inventions, but far too soon before the technology to make them possible was available.” Turns out my 12 year old just recently studied Da Vinci, so he was very intrigued and excited to come too.

I won’t reveal too much about the exhibit because truthfully a lot of the set up is a grand part of the experience, but I will say it was amazing being there and seeing all his inventions, notes, and drawings, many of them originals!

I also went with my two younger boys. This was “ok” for them. They enjoyed it for about 15 minutes and then wanted to move on. So while we, including my oldest, were really intrigued with all that there was to see, my 3 and 4 year old could care less after a short while. We have to return because in keeping up with them we missed out on a lot.

That one exhibit alone could take you about 45 minutes to go through, not because it is so large in space, but because of the amount of information available.  It really is fascinating.

They also have a Titanic Exhibit going on till Feb. 28, and in April the King Tut exhibit will open. Though I am sad to see they don’t offer membership rates, they do have special offers on ticket prices, which are normally just under $25.00 per adult.

We also took part in a kids workshop where our boys created instruments from minimal materials, in order to place them in a similar situation as Da Vinci, where he created and invented despite the limitations of resources.

The kids loved it, forming the “first Discovery Band” and proudly sounding their instruments for the adults. Even my oldest got into it, created a horn that was both functional and cool looking!

DTSX will be offering similar workshops, called Invent Yourself! on Jan. 30th and 31th. Check the Special Events section of the site for more info and to register or call 646.368.6754. Tickets for the family workshops are $10 per child with the purchase of a ticket to the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit.

You also have access to a cafeteria and gift shop in the museum.

We really enjoyed our time there. Because we went with our little ones we missed a lot, but still were able to grasp some of the great items on display.  It truly makes for a great outing with the family, especially if your kids are older.

Leonardo Da Vinci Workshop will be on exhibit till March 10, 2010.