“It’s a multisensory experience,” said Rob Kirk, operations director for Grande Exhibitions, by phone from Melbourne, Australia. “First is an immersive gallery, which is a projected environment showcasing the 101 inventions that have had the biggest impact on humankind since the dawn of time.”

The projected images cover the walls from floor to ceiling. “You’re completely surrounded by information,” said Bryton Sampson, communications manager for The Leonardo.

The walk through the gallery is a 35-minute visual and audio countdown of the greatest inventions, from 101 down to 1.

Next is a display of artifacts on the list — everything from stone tools (No. 14) to an abacus (No. 81) and a personal computer (No. 41).

“The challenge for us was how to make a creative visual representation of some inventions,” Kirk said. “Some are very exciting — the jet engine, television and cellphones. … On the other hand, you have birth control pills and penicillin, and how do you make these exhibits dynamic and enjoyable and different for people to see?”

Of course, the jet engine (No. 51), television (No. 16), cellphone (No. 9), birth control pills (No. 8), and penicillin (No. 19) are all exciting to people who need them.

Touch screens and iPads allow visitors to learn more about each of the inventions. The Leonard’s “Tinkering Garage” has been mixed with the exhibit’s “Inventors Den,” where anyone inspired by the exhibit can try some hands-on inventing and engineering.

“From there, you go to the LEGO playroom for younger children, to start their creativity and get their creative juices flowing,” said Kirk.

Most people spend about 60 minutes in each section of the exhibit, according to Kirk.

“It’s going to be a completely different exhibition experience than you’re used to,” he said. “It’s not a quiet gallery environment with artifacts on display. … Sensory4 is dynamic, and all of the senses are sort of overloaded, but people, hopefully, are going to enjoy it.”

WHAT: ‘101 Inventions That Changed the World’ exhibit

WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays-Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, through Sept. 15

WHERE: The Leonardo, 209 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City

TICKETS: $15/adults; $12/age 13-17, 65 and older and military with ID; $10/age 3-12. 801-531-9800, http://theleonardo.org.