Moon Landings Timetable for South West

It was inspired by his time living in Bristol, so it is fitting that Luke Jerram’s touring artwork, The Museum of the Moon will land in Bristol Cathedral next week on the first leg of its tour of the south west.

The orbit of the Moon has widened.

Bristol, Wells Cathedral and Bath Abbey have teamed up to create the South West Moon Landing, which will see the seven metre installation, featuring detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, hosted at each place through the changing seasons from summer, through autumn, finishing at Christmas in Bath Abbey with a range of lunar inspired events on offer at each of the different locations.

The artist, Luke Jerram is from Bristol and The Museum of the Moon was inspired by his time living there and noticing the huge tidal variation as he cycled over the Avon Cut each day.

The Museum of the Moon opens in Bristol Cathedral on 11 August.

The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol said: 

“We are thrilled to be hosting this wonderful installation, by world renowned Bristol artist, Luke Jerram, in Bristol Cathedral. I hope that the Moon will inspire stories, songs, adventures, awe and wonder in everyone who visits us this summer.”

In the summer (11-30 August 2021) the moon will light up Bristol Cathedral, where there will be a range of events from children’s crafts, folk concerts, and opera to visit.

In the autumn (12 October – 3 November 2021) you can visit Wells Cathedral to hear Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, see Dark Side: the Pink Floyd Show, and more.

The Very Revd John Davies, Dean of Wells said: 

“Cathedrals and Abbeys are beautiful buildings. They have glorious worship and are hives of activity. They are also unafraid to do something different. And a visit from the Museum of the Moon is different! Come and see!”

And finally, in the winter (19 November – 26 December 2021) it lands at  Bath Abbey, for Christmas carols, magical storytelling and moon-gazing with the Bath Astronomers all under the light of the Moon in the Abbey’s newly restored worship space.

The Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater, Rector of Bath Abbey said:  

“We are delighted to host this inspirational artwork during Advent – the season of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, heralded by signs in the heavens. As we marvel at the beauty of the Moon and its reflected light, may Christ the true ‘Light of the World’ find welcome and wonder in our hearts.”

• Bristol Cathedral – 11th August – 30th August. More info here.
• Wells Cathedral, 12 October – 3 November. Details here.
• Bath Abbey – 19th November – 26th December. More here.

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

Over its lifetime, the Museum of the Moon will be presented in a number of different ways both indoors and outdoors, changing the experience and interpretation of the artwork. As it travels from place to place, it gathers new musical compositions and an ongoing collection of personal responses, stories and mythologies, as well as highlighting the latest moon science.

STOP PRESS: The Museum of the Moon is coming to Durham Cathedral too!  Lands 13 September! 

Phote: Thanks to James Billings, taken at Ely Cathedral.