Leonardo’s The Last Supper is one of the most recognizable images in all of Western art history. This depiction of Jesus’ final meal with his twelve disciples has become both a sacred and pop icon, and has been reproduced in many ways throughout the world.

While the Leonardo Da Vinci: Machines in Motion exhibit looks at the “inventor side” of Leonardo, a smaller temporary exhibit on the second floor of the Museum entitled The Last Supper: A West Michigan Perspective, examines his enduring impact as an artist. The exhibit features a variety of “Last Suppers” made in or brought to the region that will surprise, amaze and maybe even amuse you. The biggest is a loom beaded tapestry. With over 1.7 million beads and ten miles of thread, it is thought to be the largest piece of Native American beadwork in the world. An eight foot, wooden hand carving of the Last Supper, made at American Seating’s Church Division for Grand Rapids’ Trinity Lutheran Church is no less spectacular. Other media represented include paint-by numbers, 3-D, and light-up, as well as works on paper, glass and bronze.

You can make your own mark on this exhibit, by helping the Museum complete a 13,224-piece jigsaw puzzle of Leonardo’s The Last Supper. Everyone who helps gets to sign the scroll that will display their names with the completed work in this exhibit. On November 14, local balloonist Tim Thurmond will create a remarkable Last Supper using balloons! Don’t miss it!

- Christian G. Carron, Director of Education Interpretation, and Research