Our exhibition of Luke Jerram’s Gaia has now finished.
We are delighted that so many people came to visit – more than 130,000!
Lots of people, many of whom were new to the Cathedral, came and enjoyed the great wealth of events and activities over the three month exhibition.
A huge thank you to all involved!
From April to July 2022, the Cathedral hosted Gaia by Luke Jerram.
Visitors were able to gaze upon the Earth as if from space, without ever having to leave the atmosphere. The awe-inspiring art installation, called Gaia, is by the same artist who first brought Museum of the Moon to Melbourne in 2018. For the first time, this stunning artwork was displayed in an indoor setting in Australia, suspended in the central crossing of the Cathedral.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, the internally-lit sphere is 1.8 million times smaller than the real earth. It has been recreated from 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and each centimetre of the sculpture represents 18km of our planet.
Take a look at a few of the highlights below, or check out our Facebook and Instagram for more.
The 3D installation rotates once every four minutes, 360 times faster than our real planet and is accompanied by a specially made composition by BAFTA Award-winning composer Dan Jones.
The installation creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.
The artwork also acts as a mirror to major events in society. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the artwork may provide the viewer with a new perspective of our place on the planet; a sense that societies of the Earth are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility toward one another.
Gaia is created in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Bluedot and the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. With supporting partners Culture Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral.
Gaia Events
Underneath the stunning installation Gaia by Luke Jerram, we are excited to bring a programme of events and activities. Gaia is free to view however some of the activities are ticketed and you will need to book in advance in order to attend.
Gaia at Night
Fri 8 July
6.00pm – 9.30pm
Free admission
Stand in awe and experience Luke Jerram’s spectacular replica of the earth as it lights up the darkened Nave of the Cathedral.
Concert | A Concert for Peace
Sat 25 June | 7.00pm
Tickets $50 / $45
Melbourne Bach Chamber Choir & Orchestra, organ and soloists, conducted by Rick Prakhoff, present a programme of works on the theme of peace, and a small gesture of support to the people of Ukraine.
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About Luke Jerram
Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. He is known worldwide for his large scale public artworks including Museum of the Moon, Glass Microbiology and Play Me, I’m Yours.