Journey to Planet Mars at Gloucester Cathedral this October

You are invited to experience the red planet like never before at Gloucester Cathedral this October, with the spectacular Mars: War and Peace artwork by Luke Jerram on display between 15 October – 3 November.

A collage of images of a planet installation (image credit from left to right) Amy Haynes & Exeter Cathedral, Dave Parry - Press Association, Terry Harris.

Encounter the wonders of Planet Mars within the sacred walls of Gloucester Cathedral at the exhibition of Mars: War and Peace. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the rotating artwork by artist Luke Jerram features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. The exhibition provides visitors with an atmospheric experience not to be missed.

This incredible installation, which will be suspended from Gloucester Cathedral’s vast Nave ceiling, is accompanied by an immersive soundtrack from award winning composer Dan Jones. This composition features the sounds of seas, deserts, as well as echoes of distant bombing and people walking in the landscape - as if escaping war - to highlight injustice and the impact of armed conflict.

This will be Gloucester Cathedral’s third collaboration with Luke Jerram, having hosted other astronomical works including the Museum of the Moon and Gaia. Mars: War and Peace will be in the Nave of Gloucester Cathedral between 15 October – 3 November and will be free to view during daytime hours. The exhibition is sponsored by Willans LLP solicitors and Richmond Villages.

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester said:

“We are looking forward to hosting the Mars: War and Peace artwork by Luke Jerram this autumn. As this timely exhibition graces our sacred space, it not only reminds us of the beauty and mystery of God’s universe, but also provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the enduring hope for peace.

In the presence of this remarkable sculpture, we hope visitors will find the space to contemplate the injustices that are present all around us. We hope this artwork can help us in our Christian mission to work tirelessly for a just future for our communities and for the world.”

A collage of images of Gloucester Cathedral.

Head of Visitor Experience, Will Jones added:

“We hope visitors find they are transported to Planet Mars as they gaze upon this atmospheric sculpture. Free to view during the Cathedral’s daytime hours, this extraordinary experience is accessible to everyone in our community.

Don't miss your chance to embark on a journey to Mars within the spectacular walls of the Cathedral!”

A packed programme of special activities and events will accompany the exhibition this autumn. Tickets are now available for a spectacular performance of Holst's Planets Suite by the Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra on 12 October, marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Cheltenham born composer. For a unique view of the artwork in all its glory after dark, visitors can also buy tickets for Mars: War and Peace at Night viewings on selected dates. Visitors can make this experience truly out of this world by choosing a Mars and Beyond ticket, which includes behind-the-scenes access to some of the Cathedral’s spaces at night.

Other activities include an exciting Mars Family Quest and stargazing activities. For more information on the Cathedral’s full programme, and to book your tickets for the performance of Holst’s The Planets and our Mars: War and Peace at Night viewings, please head to the Gloucester Cathedral website.