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Museum of the Moon
Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon is at Blackburn Cathedral throughout November.
The Moon has landed
Enjoyed by more than 20m visitors around the world, this incredible artwork can be viewed at Blackburn Cathedral from 5th November to 2nd December.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, the moon features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface and each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface. The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones.
During it’s time here in Blackburn, you’ll be able to visit the exhibition for free during the day, or you can book tickets for an evening viewing when the sculpture really comes to life.
Museum of the Moon Events
Daytime viewing
Throughout the exhibition, there is no charge for day-time entry to the Cathedral, which is open 8.30am to 5pm most days. A suggested donation of £3-£5 is encouraged which will go towards the cost of hosting the installation – this helps the Cathedral stage more events like this, as well as the upkeep of Blackburn Cathedral
Evening Viewing
For a unique experience, why not book to visit in the evening when the artwork truly comes into its own? The Cathedral will remain open late on selected evenings during the exhibition providing an incredible opportunity to enjoy the glow of the Moon after dark – experience the exhibition as it was intended to be seen.
Entry is via pre-paid ticket only and you can choose a pre-booked time slot. Your ticket will be valid for entry at the purchased time only, but there is no restriction to the amount of time you spend inside the Cathedral.
The Moon is available for late night viewing 6.30pm-9pm on the following days
- Tuesday 5th November
- Thursday 7th November
- Saturday 9th November
- Monday 11th November
- Saturday 16th November
- Thursday 21st November
- Wednesday 27th November
- Sunday 1st December
Make a Day (or Night) of It
If you are coming into Blackburn to see this unique work of art, then why not extend you visit and visit some of the other great attractions in Blackburn, potentially do some Christmas shopping or grab yourself a well earn drink and a bite to eat.
If you are in need of a brew or maybe a little cake, then the Cathedral is blessed to have its own café – Checks & Greys which can be found on the lower level of the Cathedral building looking out on to Cathedral Square. It has a full menu to choose from and if you decide to come early to the Moon, then they serve a lovely breakfast to start your day.
When visiting the Moon as a family for the evening, opposite the Cathedral you’ll find Turtle Bay with its varied menu that’s sure to please even the fussiest eater in the family.
Less than 2 minutes from the Cathedral, you’ll find one of the highest rated restaurant in Blackburn, Thira. It’s a great place for a curry after your visit and we’d recommend everyone tries the scintillating Masala Dosa, rice and lentil pancake with spicy potato stuffing.
If you need a quick drink after taking in all the wonder of the Moon, then The Postal Order is just around the corner and has a large selection of drinks, all at very affordable prices.
If you have come during the day, just remember all the shops in Blackburn will be open and it’s the perfect time to get those Christmas gifts. We have The Mall so you can grab all the big brands under one roof or maybe venture around town and find something unique in one of the many special independent retailers we have or you could even pop along to the market where you’ll find both great present ideas and some amazing food choices!
More about the Moon
When can we visit
The Cathedral is open 8.30am to 5pm for free viewing during the day, as well as 6.30pm-9pm on selected night (see above for the days)
Additionally, each special event has a listing in our What’s On section which has the details of when they are on and how (if needed) you can buy tickets.
How to find the Cathedral (Cathedral Close, Blackburn BB1 5AA)
By foot – The Cathedral is in Blackburn town centre and is located within a stone’s throw of the bus interchange and railway station and it is less than a minute’s walk from The Mall shopping centre and Blackburn Market.
By Car – The nearest public car park is at Blackburn train station just two minutes away and there are many other public car parks close by. Please note that the only on-site parking is for disabled badge holders only.
By Bus – Most regional bus services stop at Blackburn bus interchange. Upon arriving, simply walk along Ainsworth Street alongside Blackburn Market. Cross the road towards the train station onto Railway Road and the Cathedral is on your right.
By Train – Blackburn is well served by the rail network and once you leave the station, the Cathedral is right in front of you in the Cathedral Quarter
What else is happening
To coincide with the installation of the Museum of the Moon, Blackburn Cathedral held a nationwide Moon Photography Competition and the winners and shortlisted entries will be displayed in a special exhibition.
Facilities and Accessibility
Guest toilets – including disabled facilities – can be found on the ground floor next to Checks & Greys café. There is also Changing Places toilet which is housed in the Crypt. Should access be required, please ask a member of the team who will be able to provide support for those guests who need to use this facility.
The Cathedral is open to all and is fully accessible and wheelchair friendly. There is level access into and around the Cathedral and there is a lift available to all floors.
A Little More about the Museum of the Moon
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.
Over its lifetime, the Museum of the Moon will be presented in a number of different ways both indoors and outdoors,so altering the experience and interpretation of the artwork. As it travels from place to place, it will gather new musical compositions and an ongoing collection of personal responses, stories and mythologies, as well as highlighting the latest moon science.
The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones. Each venue also programmes their own series of lunar inspired events beneath the moon.
