Miami Dade College Art Gallery System recently celebrated the opening of Mona Lisa Unveiled, an extraordinary exhibition inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic portrait, the Mona Lisa. On loan from the Museo Ideale Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, Italy, the exhibition was created by Alessandro Vezzosi, the museum’s director, and Agnese Sabato, president of the museum’s International Association. Mona Lisa Unveiled showcases various interpretations of the classic, created by artists around the world and dating from the 16th century to modern day, at MDC’s own transcendent work of art, the Freedom Tower.

The exhibition is divided into two main sections: The first one focuses on the historical side of Mona Lisa, including related works and documents from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The second part is more contemporary, charting the theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911 and continuing through several 20th century artists who reinterpret the painting, among which of course are, Marcel Duchamp, Jean Margat and Salvador Dali, as well as many others who have recreated Italy’s most famous cultural symbol with computers, videos and installation pieces. Mona Lisa Unveiled will remain on display through October 7, 2011, free and open to the public during gallery hours. Local schools are encouraged to schedule guided tours for teachers and students. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday, from noon to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment.