Bath Abbey is getting ready for a Christmas with a difference as it prepares to host Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon, an awe-inspiring art installation illuminating the historic Abbey in the weeks leading up to Christmas and over the festive period itself.
From 20 November to 24 December, visitors will be able to experience the Museum of the Moon every day during Abbey opening hours, while joining in a series of carols, concerts and services under the light of the Moon – certain to get everyone into a celebratory mood this Christmas.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, Luke Jerram’s Moon features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally-lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface.
Over its lifetime, the Museum of the Moon has toured different venues around the world both indoors and outdoors and at each location, the viewer is offered an unique experience and personalised interpretation of the artwork. As the Moon ‘lands’ right in the centre of Bath in the iconic Abbey, it will be seen in the church’s distinctive setting of honey-coloured Bath stone, intricate carvings and a magnificent fan vaulted ceiling. Visitors will also get to enjoy a series of events running alongside the installation, including lunar-themed story-telling, a ‘Cosmic Wonder’ trail and stargazing with the Bath Astronomers. However, as this will be the lead up to one of the most significant dates in the Christian calendar, there will also be Christmas carols, concerts and services made all the more magical this year as these will take place under the Moon.
The Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater, Rector of Bath Abbey said: “We are delighted to host this inspirational artwork during Advent – the season of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, heralded by signs in the heavens. As we marvel at the beauty of the Moon and its reflected light, may Christ the true ‘Light of the world’ find welcome and wonder in our hearts.”
Jess McKenzie, Senior Visitor Experience Manager, Bath Abbey, said, “We’re delighted to welcome this touring artwork to Bath Abbey during a very special time of year for us. This Advent and Christmas, our visitors have even more to look forward to than usual. An already festive Abbey will be made even more special with this spectacular illumination. We appreciate that the Museum of the Moon as it’s illuminated from inside, is truly at its best after-dark – which is why in order to enable as many people as possible to experience the Moon in all its glory we’ve scheduled a series of events after dark.”
On selected Sunday and Monday nights, the Abbey will stay open after hours for Moonlight Lates to give people the opportunity to experience the magic of the moon after hours in the stunning Abbey. The accompanying soundtrack created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello winner Dan Jones can also be enjoyed during these magical evenings.
As part of the Moonlight Lates, visitors can meet and interact with the Bath Astronomers and there will be a ticketed opportunity to climb the Abbey Tower for some moon and stargazing (weather dependent). Tickets for the evening will cost £6 per Adult; £3 per Child with an additional £15 per adult and £10 per child for a stargazing Tower Tour. Please note a ticket for the evening needs to be purchased prior to a Tower Tour Ticket.
For more information about the Museum of the Moon at Bath Abbey and a full schedule of accompanying events please see https://www.bathabbey.org/luke-jerrams-museum-of-the-moon/
