Compton Verney brings giant illuminated model of the moon to Warwickshire for half term

The replica is seven metres (almost 23 feet) in diameter, and features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface
Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram.Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram.
Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram.

This half term, visitors to Compton Verney Art Gallery will be able to see a giant illuminated model of the moon.

The art gallery and park will be presenting UK artist Luke Jerram’s touring artwork, 'Museum of the Moon'.

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Jerram’s replica is seven metres (almost 23 feet) in diameter, and features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface.

Every centimetre of the internally-lit spherical sculpture represents 5km (3.1 miles) of the Moon’s surface.

Museum of the Moon will be suspended in Compton Verney’s iconic avenue of Wellingtonia trees – originally planted by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown – and will feature a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition, created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer, Dan Jones.

Luke explains that visitors to the Compton Verney installation will see and experience it in a completely unique way.

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He said:“Depending on where the artwork is presented, the meaning and interpretation of the Museum of the Moon changes.

"The interpretation of the Moon will be completely different if it is presented in a cathedral, warehouse, science museum or arts centre. Whether the artwork is exhibited in China, USA, India or Europe the cultural context and audience, also effects the public’s interpretation.

"Every culture has its own relationship to the Moon which varies from one country to another.”

Julie Finch, CEO-Director of Compton Verney said: “I think everyone has a certain fascination with the Moon, one that stays with us from early childhood and right through our adulthood.

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"It features in every aspect of the creative arts, such as poetry, music, film and, of course, visual art. Luke’s artwork brings all that sense of wonder and mystery into the heart of our famous park, allowing us to get up close to something that is normally over 238,000 miles away.”

For more information go to: comptonverney.org.uk