The Leonardo museum announces closure, cites infrastructure problems

SALT LAKE CITY — The Leonardo in Salt Lake City announced Thursday that it's permanently closing its doors after nearly 15 years. "For nearly 15 years, The Leonardo has inspired creativity and innovation as a vital, community-powered institution championing art, science, and technology for Utah’s residents and visitors alike. We are deeply grateful for the support and involvement of our community, which has always been integral to our mission," the museum said in a statement. The museum said the decision to close follows "years-long challenges with the aging building." It said the museum could not overcome issues with escalators, elevators and plumbing in the 61-year-old building. "We remain proud of The Leonardo’s legacy and impact on our community. While our physical doors will close, we encourage all who have been inspired by The Leonardo to continue fostering creativity, curiosity, and innovation in Utah and beyond," The Leonardo said. "It's unfortunate that that space will be no more," said Patricia Cortez who served as the deputy consul of Mexico in Salt Lake City for years. "We always saw the Leo as a place where we felt welcome." Cortes also attributes her daughter's love for engineering and math to her time spent at the museum. "I can tell you on a personal level, my children benefited," she said. Ken Sanders Rare Books, which occupies the same building as The Leonardo, plans to remain open for business, Sanders told KSL.

Contributing: Brittany Tait, KSL TV

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