Durham Cathedral can be seen in a whole new light as Luke Jerram’s awe-inspiring art installation illuminates its vaulted ceiling and colossal pillars like never before.
Visitors will be able to experience the Museum of the Moon every day during cathedral opening hours.
At seven metres in diameter, the Moon really is a sight not to be missed. It is fusion of detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, moonlight, and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones.
Visitors Nick and Victoria Mottram, among the first visitors to see the Moon, said “When we first came in to the cathedral it was absolutely mesmerising. We found it so peaceful just to spend time under the moon.”
Canon Dorothy Snowball, who was leading prayers on the hour during the Moon’s first day at the cathedral, said: “The moon can be something bigger and beyond what we can imagine, but having a moon that’s so tangible and close to us here in the cathedral is like you can almost reach out and touch it.”
Andrew Usher, Visitor Experience and Enterprise Director at Durham Cathedral, says, “We’re delighted to welcome this touring artwork into Durham Cathedral. As it’s illuminated from inside, the Museum of the Moon is truly at its best after-dark.
"We want as many people as possible to experience the Moon in all its glory, so we’re opening the cathedral doors on selected nights during September, October and November with an exciting programme of events.
The installation has such a visual impact so we really hope the artwork, and the related programme of events, will introduce lots of people to the cathedral for the first time, as well as encouraging lots of visitors to return to see the cathedral in a new light.”
On selected nights during September, October and November, visiors will be able to see the Moon is all its glory at one of the after-dark, special evening openings.
Unique moon-themed events will be running alongside the installation, including star gazing, half-term activities and yoga under the Moon.
On evenings where there’s a full moon, combine an after-hours visit to the moon installation with a trip up to the top of the cathedral’s tower. Climbing the 325 steps of the North Tower will definitely be worth it to see the full moon at night, before descending to see the installation in the nave.
On selected nights, visitors can also join Neil Sanders (from Go Stargazing) and Dr Fred Stephenson for the chance to spot planets through a telescope and enjoy a laser guided tour of the night sky from the top of the tower.
The installation will be in place until November 13. For information visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk.
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