Luke Jerram’s Mars: War and Peace – Chichester and Gloucester Cathedrals.

Artist Luke Jerram’s work can be seen at a number of our cathedrals this Autumn – including his latest work, Mars: War and Peace which is coming to Chichester and Gloucester cathedrals.

Mars will be suspended in the nave of Gloucester Cathedral from 15 October – 3 November.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, the rotating artwork features detailed NASA imagery of the red planet’s surface and is accompanied by an immersive soundtrack from composer Dan Jones that features the sounds of seas, and deserts, as well as echoes of distant bombing and people walking in the landscape – as if escaping war – to highlight injustice and the impact of armed conflict.

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester said:

“We are looking forward to hosting the Mars: War and Peace artwork by Luke Jerram this autumn. As this timely exhibition graces our sacred space, it not only reminds us of the beauty and mystery of God’s universe, but also provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the enduring hope for peace. 

“In the presence of this remarkable sculpture, we hope visitors will find the space to contemplate the injustices that are present all around us. We hope this artwork can help us in our Christian mission to work tirelessly for a just future for our communities and for the world.” 

A packed programme of special activities and events will accompany the exhibition including a performance of Holst’s Planets Suite by the Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Cheltenham-born composer. Visitors can also buy tickets for Mars: War and Peace at Night viewings on selected dates plus a Mars and Beyond ticket, which includes behind-the-scenes access to some of the Cathedral’s spaces at night.

Other activities include Mars Family Quest and stargazing activities. For more information on the Cathedral’s full programme, and to book your tickets for the performance of Holst’s The Planets and Mars: War and Peace at Night viewings, please click here.

Chichester Cathedral will host Mars from 19th October to 10th November 2024.  

The artist said:

“Mars follows on from my other touring astronomical artworks Museum of the Moon and Gaia, and allows a close encounter with the Martian planet. I hope that visitors will feel transported to its inhospitable desert wasteland and in comparison, really value our life on Earth.”  

The artwork marks 150 years since the birth of composer, Gustav Holst, who is interred within the Cathedral’s North Transept.  Holst is best known for The Planets, a seven-movement orchestral suite, with each movement named after a planet of the Solar System – including Mars.

Programme highlights include a special concert by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performing Gustav Holst’s Mars, Bringer of War Movement of The Planets, free lunchtime concerts, space-themed storytelling sessions for children, intergalactic art workshops and a family-friendly Mission to Mars trail around Chichester city centre.

Additionally, the Cathedral’s regular programme of worship will feature special services and a Prayer and Spiritual Trail, emphasising themes of sustainability.

The Dean of Chichester, the Very Revd Dr Edward Dowler, said:

“We are thrilled to bring Luke Jerram’s extraordinary installation, Mars, to our Cathedral. We had an overwhelming response to Jerram’s Museum of the Moon back in 2021 and are looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to marvel at this latest piece of artwork. This is a particularly meaningful exhibition for us, as we also celebrate Holst and his connection to the Cathedral.”

Book tickets here.

Photo credit – Ella Foster, Amy Haynes & Exeter Cathedral