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Review: Luke Jerram’s Museum of The Moon at Southwell Minster




A picture-perfect installation has opened it’s doors to the public, and is perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of stepping foot in space.

Prepare to be taken on a trip to outer space, complete with surround sound by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, as you step foot in the cathedral and are greeted by a magestic seven-metre moon.

The Museum of The Moon, by artist Luke Jerram, opened at Southwell Minster over the weekend, and is awe-inspiring in scale and presence in the historic setting.

The Museum of The Moon, at Southwell Minster.
The Museum of The Moon, at Southwell Minster.

The contrast between the magnificent architecture of the Nave and the natural beauty of the moon is stunning and makes for some Instagram-worthy photos — which inevitably turn out much better than the distant speck pictured when you try and take an amateur photo of the real thing.

It’s also just as easy to enjoy without looking through a lens, and on my visit I found myself utterly absorbed by the artwork, content to simply take a seat and gaze at it.

A huge seven metres in diameter, with 120dpi detailed NASA imagery, Luke Jerram’s artwork is a chance to see our familiar moon — including the dark side, illuminated — like never before.

All the craters and small details of the moon are crystal-clear thanks to internal illumination.

It really brings outer space inside, and it is clear to see why the moon has proved such an inspiration for artists and scientists over time.

The Museum of The Moon, at Southwell Minster.
The Museum of The Moon, at Southwell Minster.

The clever installation also makes it really appear to be floating, no matter which angle you look at it.

The Museum of The Moon is at Southwell Minster until October 22 at the following times:

• Wednesday, October 16: 10am to 3pm
• Thursday, October 17: 10am to 5pm, and 7pm to 8.30pm
• Friday, October 18: 10am to 5pm, and 7pm to 9pm
• Saturday, October 19: 10am to 5pm*
• Sunday, October 20: 12pm to 3pm, and 5pm to 7pm
• Monday, October 21: 10am to 5pm*, and 7pm to 9pm
• Tuesday, October 22: 10am to 5pm, and 7pm to 9pm

Booking is recommended but not essential — day time tickets are available for £4 for adults, £2 for under 16s, and evening tickets are available for for £5 for adults, £3 for under 16s, and under 5s go free at any time of day.

Last entry is 30 minutes before the end of each session, and dogs are welcome on leads.

A number of special sessions, including pilates under the moon, and a moon-themed Friday lunchtime concert, will also be held.



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