Ethereal ‘Museum of the Moon’ Returns to Derby Cathedral

Ethereal ‘Museum of the Moon’ Returns to Derby Cathedral

A breath-taking touring attraction will return to Derby Cathedral this Autumn accompanied by an extensive public events programme.

‘Museum of the Moon’ – created by UK artist Luke Jerram – is a giant artwork which will be suspended over the nave at Derby Cathedral and is open to the public between October 12th and November 10th 2023.

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 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 – helping to keep its doors open for all.

The Cathedral has dedicated quiet time slots every Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and 10.30am. There will also be pre-booked ticketed entry to enable people to see the artwork fully illuminated on certain evenings (between 6pm and 9.30pm), with an additional opportunity to book a ‘View Above the Moon’ balcony experience.

An extended events programme has also been organised. Find out more here

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.

“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 (BID).

Beth McDonald, Managing Director of Derbion, commented: “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.”

Visitors are encouraged to check the website. Tickets for all the events are also available on the website.