Create a list of articles to read later. You will be able to access your list from any article in Discover.
You don't have any saved articles.
Awe-inspiring artwork Museum of the Moon to be displayed at the Natural History Museum
From 17 May to 8 September, enjoy the scale and spectacle of Museum of the Moon within one of London’s most iconic buildings as it’s shown in the Museum’s Jerwood Gallery.
· Artist Luke Jerram’s incredible Museum of the Moon on display at the Natural History Museum from 17 May to 8 September 2019.
· Installation will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
· The latest experience from the Museum which aims to inspire visitors by uniting art and science.
· Visitors are invited to join in or observe a specially-created piece, performed alongside Museum of the Moon by interactive theatre makers Coney.
· Tickets available for a series of space-themed events including lunar-inspired yoga classes.
Museum of the Moon, an awe-inspiring large-scale artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, is coming to the Natural History Museum this summer.
From 17 May to 8 September, enjoy the scale and spectacle of this incredible artwork within one of London’s most iconic buildings as it’s shown in the Museum’s Jerwood Gallery.
Museum of the Moon is part of the fantastic offering the Museum has for visitors in 2019, with a vibrant programme of space-themed events, performances and activities - from kids’ yoga under the Moon to a series of space-related talks from Museum scientists and a special after-hours Lates event.
Museum of the Moon, a six-metre spherical sculpture, features high-resolution NASA imagery of the lunar surface. Allowing visitors the chance to see the far side of the Moon, the artwork will offer a new and exciting perspective of Earth’s celestial neighbour. The sculpture is accompanied by a surround-sound composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.
Displayed to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing and offering a space for reflection within the Museum, visitors are invited to contemplate their own relationship with the Moon and its influence on life on Earth.
Artist Luke Jerram says: “I’m delighted to exhibit Museum of the Moon at the Natural History Museum. It’s a very special opportunity to showcase the artwork in a location which celebrates both the science and the beauty of the natural world.
“Different cultures around the world have their own historical, scientific and religious relationships to the Moon and I’m excited to see people’s response to the artwork. I hope to draw out stories and beliefs about what the Moon means to them.”
Visitors to the Jerwood Gallery will also have the chance to see a specially-created performance piece. COMPANION: MOON, a brand-new experience from interactive theatre makers Coney, will be performed alongside the artwork on specific dates. Inspired by Museum of the Moon and conversations with Natural History Museum space scientists, visitors can join in or observe as multiple art forms combine in a beautiful performance.
Harriet Bolwell, Producer at Coney, says: “Working alongside the Natural History Museum’s team of experts is the kind of creative opportunity that we so relish here at Coney HQ. A collaboration between science and art throws up so much potential for new and playful experiences and we can’t wait to bring COMPANION: MOON to the Jerwood Gallery.
“The experience will explore the relationship between our planet and the Moon and the constant push and pull between these two celestial bodies. We'll invite visitors of all ages to explore this connection in an interactive experience encompassing sound, movement and space.”
Throughout the artwork’s installation, there will also be an exciting programme of space-themed events - including an exclusive after-hours gig from art-rock band Public Service Broadcasting to mark the exhibit’s opening, kids’ yoga under the Moon, lunar-themed fitness classes, space-related talks from Museum scientists and a special after-hours Lates event.
Clare Matterson, Director of Engagement at the Natural History Museum, says: “We’re so excited to bring Museum of the Moon to the Jerwood Gallery. This is the latest experience from the Museum which unites art and science in a new and inspiring way. Our scientists are working at the forefront of space research and we hope Museum of the Moon offers visitors of all ages a glimpse into lunar discoveries and the chance to immerse themselves in this wonder of the natural world.”
Museum of the Moon is open to all ages and free to visit.
Dates and times: Friday 17 May to Sunday 8 September 2019, 10.00-17.50 daily.
Admission: Free
Location: Jerwood Gallery, Natural History Museum
Nearest tube: South Kensington
Online: www.nhm.ac.uk/moon
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Images: Please download and credit according to file names (Link not for publication).
Media contact: Tel: +44 (0) 20 7942 5654/+44 (0) 7799 690151 Email: press@nhm.ac.uk
About the Natural History Museum:
· The Natural History Museum exists to inspire a love of the natural world and unlock answers to the big issues facing humanity and the planet. It is a world-leading science research centre, and through its unique collection and unrivalled expertise it is tackling issues such as food security, eradicating diseases and managing resource scarcity. The Natural History Museum is the most visited natural history museum in Europe and the top science attraction in the UK; we welcome around 5 million visitors each year and our website receives over 500,000 unique visitors a month. People come from around the world to enjoy our galleries and events and engage both in-person and online with our science and educational activities through innovative programmes and citizen science projects.
About Luke Jerram:
· For more information about this globally touring artwork go to www.my-moon.org. 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. With many of his artworks in permanent collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Wellcome Collection in London, he also tours his art installations to art festivals and museums worldwide. In 2018 alone, he had 73 exhibitions in 21 different countries. www.lukejerram.com/ .
About Coney HQ:
· Coney are interactive theatre makers - creating games, adventures and play, where people can chose to take a meaningful part. “If you want to see the future of British theatre now, then Coney is one of the companies to watch…” Lyn Gardner, The Guardian. For more information, visit https://coneyhq.org/