Moon installation to visit refurbished cathedral
A giant illuminated sculpture of the moon is set to go on display in a recently refurbished cathedral.
The venue in Peel will host Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon artwork, which has been shown around the world, from 9 February until 2 March.
With a diameter of 23ft (7m), the display uses detailed NASA imagery to replicate the lunar surface.
Lay preacher at Cathedral Isle of Man Rosemary Clarke said it would be an "unforgettable experience" and a range of events would be held underneath the artwork.
The installation, which has been supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, will be accompanied by a sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.
At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the artwork represents three miles (5km) of the actual moon's surface.
The exhibition has previously been on show in countries including China, the United States and India, and has been displayed in woods and above swimming pools as well as at other Cathedrals.
Jerram said more than 20 million people had visited the artwork, which can be "enjoyed by different people at different levels", in over 40 countries.
"It can be enjoyed as much by a four-year-old child as by a professional astronomer," he said.
"Every culture has its own relationship to the Moon, which varies from one country to another."
More than 13,000 people visited a similar exhibition at St Thomas' Church in Douglas last year, which featured a giant illuminated model of the Earth by the artist.
Ms Clarke said people had been "excited by the earth", so it was hoped a similar number of people come to see the moon.
She said a range "lunar-inspired events for all" would take place under the artwork, from Pilates to choral performances.
The free exhibition at the cathedral, which has recently undergone major works, will be open from 09:00 to 18:00 GMT daily.
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