THE LEONARDO

“The Greeks have two words for time: chronos and kairos. Chronos means simple duration, or chronological time as calculated on our clocks and calendars. Kairos suggests a different understanding of time. It means the right or the opportune time for something to occur. Thinking of The Leonardo at Library Square, this is what I believe: it is a project whose time has come. For all the beauty and attraction of other downtown sites, I believe that Salt Lake has always lacked a really 'public' square, a 'commons' if you like. The Leonardo offers just the kind of institution and programs that will draw our diverse population together.”
— Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish,
Episcopal Diocese of Utah

Salt Lake City is in the midst of a renaissance that began just before the 2002 Winter Olympics. Light rail lines built between 1998 and 2001 criss-cross the valley, connecting Salt Lake County’s suburbs with its urban core and the University of Utah. The Gateway complex, a mixed-use development just west of downtown, is alive with new businesses, cultural opportunities, and tourist venues. In addition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has begun $1 billion worth of renovations downtown that will eventually bring new condominiums, stores, restaurants, and walkways to the Main Street corridor.

Located in the former city library building at 200 East and 500 South, The Leonardo is an integral part of this physical and cultural rebirth. As a new kind of art, culture and science center geared toward people ten and older, The Leonardo’s exhibits, activities and performances will encourage creativity and promote a deeper understanding of ourselves and our worlds.