The renaissance was important because it brought about many changes, particularly in the European culture and art. People such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael and Donatello ushered in new ideas about discovery, travel, invention, art, philosophy and the world. They were all born, lived, and died in this era. The huge cultural influences that the Renaissance’s figures had on society is what makes it so important.