Salvator Mundi Museum of Art

Brooklyn, NY—The Salvator Mundi Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the unveiling of its latest and most intriguing acquisition: a rare Salvator Mundi mechanical bank, which will be the centerpiece of a new exhibition. This extraordinary piece, reportedly discovered at the Ponchatoula Flea Market in March, has captivated art enthusiasts and experts alike, sparking a wave of curiosity and excitement.

The Salvator Mundi mechanical bank, a fascinating blend of art and engineering, has baffled many since it first appeared in the press on April 1st, leading to widespread speculation. The intricate design of the bank, featuring a small figure reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi painting, has sparked debate about its origins and historical significance. Antique Bank Found in Louisiana Flea Market Discovered to Be Never Before Seen Model of Famous Leonardo Da Vinci Painting - Salvator Mundi (prweb.com)

Esteemed Leonardo da Vinci scholar Martin Kemp, upon viewing the Salvator Mundi bank, remarked, "This is great fun. It is probably based on the version once in the collection of the Marquis de Ganay. This has been known for much longer than the original, recently sold at Christie’s for $450 million." His insights into the artistic and historical connections between the bank and the Salvator Mundi painting add significant weight to the exhibition.

The bank’s mechanism, which ingeniously moves to accept coins while the right arm lowers in a blessing motion, has left many questioning how such an object ended up at a flea market in rural Louisiana. VIDEO

“We were absolutely stunned when the bank was brought to our attention,” said a spokesperson for the Salvator Mundi Museum of Art. “Its discovery at the Ponchatoula Flea Market adds a layer of mystery and intrigue, making it a truly unique artifact that challenges our understanding of art history and collecting. The craftsmanship of the bank is both playful and sophisticated, and its discovery opens up new avenues of research and inquiry. We are extremely grateful to our Board for their generosity, which allowed us to acquire this work for our permanent collection."

The upcoming exhibition will explore the history and cultural significance of mechanical banks as art objects, including a recent theory that traces their origins to Leonardo da Vinci's detailed drawings of gears and engineering systems. The exhibition will also feature other historical mechanical banks from various periods, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the evolution of these whimsical devices.

The exhibition will open to the public on Saturday, August 31st, and will be accompanied by a series of workshops, and special events designed to engage visitors of all ages. The Salvator Mundi Museum of Art invites everyone to experience this one-of-a-kind artifact and delve into the fascinating world of mechanical banks.

Announcing Major Museum Expansion and New Café "Méson"

In addition to the exhibition, the Salvator Mundi Museum of Art is delighted to announce the opening of its new on-site museum café, “Méson.” Offering a full bar and a selection of lite fare, Café Méson provides a welcoming space for visitors to relax and discuss the arts, enhancing the overall museum experience. For those seeking a more complete dining experience, the museum’s other café/restaurant, "Petite Crevette," remains a popular choice. The museum's Director of Culinary Operations, Mason Grassfield, noted, "Between Café Méson and Petite Crevette, the Salvator Mundi Museum offers some of the finest epicurean experiences compared with any of the major art museums in the world."

Exhibition and Café Details:

• Opening Date: August 31, 2024
• Location: Salvator Mundi Museum of Art, 144 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
• Exhibition: The Salvator Mundi Mechanical Bank: Art in Motion
• Café Méson  : Full bar and lite fare available
• Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 5 PM - 11 PM, Friday and Saturday 6 PM - Midnight

For more information about the exhibition and Café Méson, visit the Salvator Mundi Museum of Art’s website or contact the Director of Communications at RealSalvatorMundi@gmail.com.

About the Salvator Mundi Museum of Art
The Salvator Mundi Museum of Art is dedicated to the exploration and celebration of art surrounding the Salvator Mundi story. Taking its name from the world's most expensive work of art, the purported lost masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, the museum is committed to exploring all aspects, implications, and ramifications of the Salvator Mundi story and art history. Through its exhibitions, collections, and educational programs, the museum seeks to engage the public with the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most enigmatic masterpieces.