Cathedral set to welcome return of Moon installation

A stunning art installation of the Moon is set to open to the public at Derby Cathedral from Thursday.

Museum of the Moon, created by UK artist Luke Jerram, is a giant artwork, which will be suspended over the nave at the cathedral until 10 November.

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.

Entry will be free of charge with a suggested donation of £3 per person, which will go towards the care and work of Derby Cathedral – helping to keep its doors open for all.

An extended events programme has also been organised to coincide with the installation.

It includes a performance by Pink Floyd tribute band Floyd in the Flesh of the classic Dark Side of the Moon album, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Other events include a Moonlight Gala Dinner, a concert by Sinfonia Viva, Mindfulness Under the Moon sessions, poetry readings and family events.

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

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 who came to see it the first time.

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 at 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 the 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.”

For more information about the Museum of the Moon and the events programme visit www.derby.cathedral.org/moon.