Cathedral over the moon as art installation set to return

Derby Cathedral is set to welcome the return of a spectacular moon art installation.

The Museum of the Moon, created by UK artist Luke Jerram, is a giant artwork, which will be suspended over the cathedral’s nave.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, ‘Museum of the Moon’ is a touring artwork featuring detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface.

At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface.

The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and award-winning composer Dan Jones.

It will be open to the public between 12 October to 10 November.

Entry to ‘Museum of the Moon’ will be free of charge with a suggested donation of £3 per person which will go towards the care and work of Derby Cathedral.

Museum of the Moon was first installed in the cathedral as part of Derby Festé in 2019.

Since then, it has hosted several art installations, including ‘Peace Doves’ by Peter Walker last spring, followed in the autumn by ‘Gaia’ – another creation by Luke Jerram.

According to the Dean of Derby, The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, organisers were encouraged to re-book Museum of the Moon following feedback from the thousands of visitors to the Cathedral for these attractions last year.

He said: “When Museum of the Moon first came to Derby Cathedral, we had people queuing, at times, right down to the Market Place.

“The art installation showed people from Derby and well beyond just what a wonderful, welcoming and inspiring space the cathedral is, and many people said they would love to see it here again.

“I am sure that visitors will want to return to the cathedral several times over the month to immerse themselves in the simple wonder of the moon’s surface which has been captured in amazing detail by artist Luke Jerram.”

Museum of the Moon at Derby Cathedral has been sponsored by the Derbion shopping centre and the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District.

Beth McDonald, managing director of Derbion, said: “We are extremely proud to be a sponsor for Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon event at Derby Cathedral this year.

“Museum of the Moon is set to be an incredible experience that will drive tourism and footfall to the city, as well as provide the local community with the opportunity to see a major art installation that celebrates the mystical lunar landscape.”

Brad Worley, BID manager for Cathedral Quarter, said: “We are thrilled to see the return of Luke Jerram’s touring artwork in Derby.

“It is so important for the Cathedral Quarter and the wider city centre to continue to provide added value to shoppers and visitors and this installation at Derby Cathedral will certainly increase footfall – like it has in the past.”

To find out more about the forthcoming art installation – and the extensive events programme that has been organised, visit www.derby.cathedral.org/moon.