A replica of the planet Mars is now supsended inside Truro Cathedral in Cornwall for the rest of this month.
The awe-inspiring Mars: War and Peace artwork by internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram has landed, captivating visitors with its striking scale and immersive beauty.
Suspended beneath the cathedral’s stunning architecture, this seven-metre-wide sculpture of the Red Planet has been described as a must-see installation that invites contemplation of place in the universe.
Chief operating officer Sean O’Neill said: "After years of planning, Mars looks even more at home and impressive than I could ever have imagined.
"The red hues and lighting synergise so well with the stonework of the cathedral and are bound to create a stunning impression on visitors."
READ NEXT
- Bar's former home goes up for auction - and it was also once a bank
- Climbers condemned after scaling facade of former M&S building in Falmouth
- Seasalt teams up with respected clothing brand to launch menswear collection
It follows the installation of Gaia - a detailed depiction of Earth, measuring seven metres in diameter and featuring 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the planet’s surface - at the cathedral in 2023.
Artist Luke Jerram said: "‘Following the success of my Gaia artwork at the cathedral in 2023, I am delighted that Mars has arrived.
"I hope that visitors will feel transported to the inhospitable desert wasteland of Mars, whilst also reflecting on the realities of war for ordinary communities of people on our planet."
The artwork measures seven metres in diameter and, as with Gaia, features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface.
At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents ten kilometres of the surface of Mars.
Accompanying the Mars sculpture is a newly created sound composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones. Featuring the sounds of seas, deserts and clips from NASA missions to Mars, it also incorporates the sounds of distant bombing and people marching, as if to war.
There is no charge to see 'Mars by Day' but donations are encouraged. Special ticketed 'Mars by Night' experiences offering an illuminated perspective after dark, alongside Celestial Heights Tours - a chance to view Mars from above.
A programme of Mars-themed events is offered beneath the planet’s glow during its stay. It includes:
- Cosmic Recital with John Challenger
- Screenings of War of the Worlds (1953)
- Interstellar with Roger Sayer
- Life on Mars: A Silent Disco Experience.
Mars is now at Truro Cathedral until November 2. Bookings for a night visit and events can be made via the cathedral website.
Share