Museum of the Moon heading to Rochester
Giant replica of the Moon which has wowed audiences across the world is coming to Rochester in February 2020
Photo (c) James Billings at Ely Cathedral
Rochester Cathedral will install The Museum of the Moon in its Nave for three weeks in February and March 2020. It is the first time the artwork has been displayed in Kent.
Museum of the Moon is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. It measures seven metres in diameter and features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. Each centimetre represents 5km of the moon’s surface. Alongside the installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones.
The Museum of the Moon has been presented in a number of locations across the world including several UK Cathedrals and Museums. As it travels from place to place, it gathers new musical compositions and an ongoing collection of personal responses, stories and mythologies, as well as highlighting the latest moon science.
Luke Jerram, the artist behind the Museum of the Moon says: “I am delighted to bring Museum of the Moon to Rochester. For most people, this will be their most intimate, personal and closest encounter they will ever have with the Moon.”
The Rev’d Canon Christopher Dench, Vice Dean of Rochester Cathedral says: “ The Cathedral is a place where we welcome everyone to come and think, explore and contemplate their place in the world and the lives of others. This installation is the perfect complement to this, giving us all the opportunity to wonder and ponder on the beauty and scale of God’s creation and our role within it.”
A full programme of lunar inspired events will take place at the Cathedral alongside the artwork. These will be announced shortly but include concerts, lectures and evening receptions. There will also be a fun programme of family activities for February Half Term.
Opening times will be 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm – 5pm on Sundays. There will also be some evenings where the Cathedral will stay open for visitors until 9pm. Entry to the Cathedral during the day is free but there will be a charge for additional activities and evening openings.
The Museum of the Moon is on display at Rochester Cathedral from the 13th February to the 4th March 2020.
About the Artist
Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally for 19 years, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. Jerram has a set of different narratives that make up his practice which are developing in parallel with one another. He is known worldwide for his large scale public artworks.