With NASA's Artemis II mission gearing up to return humans to the moon, Chester Cathedral is set to unveil its latest installation - a lunar spectacular fusing moonlight and surround sound.

Opening on Thursday 12 February, Chester Cathedral will host artist Luke Jerram's moon sculpture, complete with a surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.

Measuring six 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.

"Human beings are again travelling to the moon this year aboard NASA's Artemis II on a mission of exploration and discovery," said Anthony Lees-Smith, canon missioner at Chester Cathedral.

"There is no better time to be hosting Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon at Chester Cathedral where discovery, encounter and faith are built into everything we do.

"Jerram's beautiful installation will inspire awe and wonder in young and old alike." 

Since its creation, Museum of the Moon has been presented in over 30 different countries and been seen by more than 10 million people worldwide. 

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Its arrival also marks five weeks of themed events designed to inspire awe and wonder in visitors of all ages. 

This includes viewings of 'Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out', with the iconic soundtrack performed live by professional musicians, optional Moon model-making workshops, and viewings of Tim Burton films beneath the glowing moon.

Guests can also experience the installation at night, with Dan Jones' exclusive BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning soundtrack enveloping visitors in moonlight and sound.

The cathedral will also host a free public lecture next month, featuring Revd Professor David Wilkinson, who will explore humanity in cosmic perspective.

'Museum of the Moon' will run at Chester Cathedral from Thursday 12 February to Sunday 15 March 2026. 

Daytime entry to the Cathedral is free, with a suggested donation of £5 per person welcomed to support hosting the exhibition and keeping the Cathedral's doors open for all. 

Individual events require separate ticket bookings. Full programme details and booking information is available here.