Luke Jerram’s Gaia artwork is coming to Bristol Cathedral this year

Bristol artist Luke Jerram, known for his giant art models of the moon and earth as well as , will be bringing his work back to the city this autumn. Gaia, an internally illuminated earth sculpture, will be on display at Bristol Cathedral from 15 October to 9 November.

It comes as part of a special four-week series of events, including a performance of Hayden’s Creation and the soundtrack from David Attenborough’s Blue Planet – performed by the Bristol Ensemble. The line-up will also include late-night live music experiences.

The first time the artwork has been installed in a Bristol place of worship, the Cathedral’s program of events “will see faith, science and art come together to celebrate Gaia”. The installation was designed by Jerram to recreate the “Overview Effect”, a phenomenon first described by author Frank White in 1987.

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Common features of the experience for astronauts in space, seeing Earth for the first time, are a sense of awe at the planet, a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility to care for the environment. Gaia is 1.8 million times smaller than Earth, with each centimeter of the internally lit sculpture representing 18 km of Earth’s surface.

Luke Jerram said: “Following the success of the Moon Museum at Bristol Cathedral in 2021, which attracted over 65,000 people, I am delighted to bring my Gaia Earth artwork to my home city. I can’t wait for visitors to the Cathedral to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious experience.

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“The cathedral is hosting a really exciting and inspiring program of events for people to get involved with and I will also be announcing a new eco-artwork for the region in tandem with the Gaia installation.”

Coinciding with Gaia’s stay at the Cathedral, there will be a series of events designed to “amplify and elevate visitors’ experiences of the artwork”. Bristol Cathedral is hosting four ‘Up Late’ events where the public will be welcomed into the space between 6pm and 9pm to enjoy both the Cathedral and Gaia in the dark alongside exciting live music.

On Thursday 24 October, a unique Blue Planet concert, which will see the Bristol Ensemble perform music from the iconic soundtrack to David Attenborough’s Blue Planet series as Gaia spins, will provide an “evocative and emotional accompaniment to the installation”.

The Most Reverend Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gaia, the earthly work of art, to Bristol Cathedral, where she will be the centerpiece of a rich program of events including world music, talks and performances for children . Activities The Moon Museum has attracted visitors to the Cathedral who have never visited before and who have discovered our beautiful historic building, met our welcoming community and experienced the awe and wonder of the Moon.

“I’m excited to see how Gaia will do the same for Earth – and I hope many will come and see the artwork in all its glory.” Tickets go on sale at the end of July – you can sign up at Bristol Cathedral. Newsletter for priority access to updates and tickets.