Museum of the Moon – Blackburn Cathedral

Luke Jerram’s touring artwork, Museum of the Moon lands in Blackburn Cathedral today (5 November) and with it, an exciting programme of events, worship, theatre and music.

The moon lands in Blackburn Cathedral today, 5th November

More than 20m visitors have gazed upon this seven metre diameter replica of the moon’s surface created using NASA imagery. Each centimetre of the internally-lit sphere represents five kilometres of lunar terrain featuring the Sea of Tranquillity where the first Moon landings took place, and the huge South Pole-Aitken Basin impact crater.

The Very Revd. Peter Howell-Jones, Dean of Blackburn, said:

“This is an incredible work of art and we are very excited to be hosting it here within the awe-inspiring architecture of Lancashire’s Cathedral.

“We hope it offers people a unique opportunity to get up close and contemplate and celebrate their place in this universe of ours.” 

To coincide with the installation of the Museum of the Moon, Blackburn Cathedral held a nationwide Moon Photography Competition and the winners and shortlisted entries are displayed in a special exhibition in the cathedral.

Events under the moon include silent discos, yoga, theatre, Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar10 played by Roger Sayer, the organist on the original film, an immersive sight and sound event that reflects on wonder and the search for meaning, there’s an atmospheric moon -themed programme of music from opera to chamber music and song and a Pink Floyd tribute by candlelight celebrating the Dark Side of the Moon.

There are special evening viewings too when the cathedral will remain open until late so visitors can enjoy the glow of the moon after dark accompanied by a surround sound musical composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer, Dan Jones.

Entry into the cathedral is free with a suggested donation of £3-£5

Further details and the full events calendar can be found on Blackburn Cathedral’s website here.