An incredible lunar installation will be unveiled as part of the Kensington + Chelsea Festival this month. Museum of the Moon is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the 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*.
The acclaimed installation will be displayed, first outdoors and then, moved to a special indoor location during the Festival’s run, altering the perception of the artwork as it moves from space to space. Scheduled to be showcased in Kensington Town Hall Square from 11-15th August, it will then ‘float through air and space to a nearby location from 17-30th August. The optimum time to enjoy this lunar experience is at 7pm when it will come alive with music created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones. Attendance is free of charge and open to all.
As the Moon travels from place to place, it gathers new musical compositions and an ongoing collection of personal responses, stories and mythologies, as well as highlighting the latest moon science.
The Moon has always inspired humanity, acting as a ‘cultural mirror’ to society, reflecting the ideas and beliefs of all people around the world. Over the centuries, the moon has been interpreted as a god and as a planet. It has been used as a timekeeper, calendar and been a source of light to aid night-time navigation. Throughout history the moon has inspired artists, poets, scientists, writers and musicians the world over. The ethereal blue light cast by a full moon, the delicate crescent following the setting sun, or the mysterious dark side of the moon has evoked passion and exploration. Different cultures around the world have their own historical, cultural, scientific and religious relationships to the moon. And yet somehow, despite these differences, the moon connects us all.
Museum of the Moon allows us to observe and contemplate cultural similarities and differences around the world, and consider the latest moon science. #MuseumofTheMoon #kcfestivalUK
Museum of the Moon is presented by Kensington + Chelsea Festival and forms part of the ‘K&C Summer of Love’ campaign run by Kensington and Chelsea Council, which encourages residents and visitors to fall in love with the borough this summer, post-lockdown, showcasing what’s on offer in parks, high streets and museums, to libraries, local businesses and more.
The month of August boasts an incredible line-up of outdoor arts events, comedy, theatre across the borough of Kensington and Chelsea as part of the amazing summer long Kensington + Chelsea Festival. Other highlights include Notting Hill Carnival at Opera Holland Park, Shakespeare’s Globe on Tour, free outdoor art performances in parks across the borough, pay what you want indoor performances and young people’s takeover stages, thought-provoking theatre, community dance events, and the spotlight being shone on the wonderful talents of local youth.
With focus on recovery from the pandemic and on providing opportunities for performers to come back to work as we all emerge out of lockdown – the festival presents a perfect moment to get back into our theatres, parks, cities, streets, to see outdoor performances and reconnect with our communities through incredible, unexpected collective experiences.
All programming is free or affordable, and the festival organisers want to encourage anyone to get involved, enjoy and find inspiration in surprising locations in totally unexpected ways!
Cllr Faulks, Lead Member for Economy, Employment and Innovation at Kensington and Chelsea Council said:
“I am excited that Luke Jerram’s stunning Museum of the Moon is being hosted by Kensington and Chelsea Council as part of the Kensington + Chelsea Festival. The 7 metre replica of the moon will bring wonder and magic to the borough and we hope will attract both residents and visitors. The installation is one of a number of placemaking initiatives being delivered in order to revitalise our high streets and make the borough a fun place to be during summer.”
