From Wallace & Gromit live screenings to Tim Burton concerts and silent discos under the stars – Chester Cathedral unveils lunar spectacular as NASA’s Artemis II mission returns humans to the moon

Chester Cathedral will transform into a cosmic wonderland this February as Luke Jerram’s internationally acclaimed Museum of the Moon installation touches down for five weeks of spectacular events, family activities, and evening experiences.

Opening on Thursday 12 February and running until Sunday 15 March, the breath taking six-metre illuminated moon will be accompanied by an extraordinary programme of entertainment designed to inspire awe and wonder in visitors of all ages.

Anthony Lees-Smith, Canon Missioner at Chester Cathedral, said: “Human beings are again travelling to the moon this year aboard NASA’s Artemis II on a mission of exploration and discovery. 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.”

UNMISSABLE EVENTS UNDER THE MOON

The Cathedral has curated a diverse programme that transforms the installation into a vibrant cultural hub:

• A Grand Day Out at Chester Cathedral (Monday 16 February)In partnership with Carrot Productions – the company behind the Cathedral’s sell-out annual Snowman performances – families can enjoy Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out with the iconic soundtrack performed live by professional musicians. Multiple showings throughout the day include a relaxed SEND performance at 4.30pm. Optional Moon model-making workshops, designed by Aardman expert Jim Parkyn, offer visitors the chance to create their own lunar character to take home.
• Tim Burton’s Universe by Mystery Ensemble (Thursday 19 February)From Alice in Wonderland to The Nightmare Before Christmas, immerse yourself in the haunting, magical soundscapes of Tim Burton’s cinematic masterpieces beneath the glowing moon.
• Museum of the Moon Evening Openings (26-27 February & 5-6 March)Experience the installation in a completely different light. The darkened Cathedral becomes fully immersive with Dan Jones’ exclusive BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning soundtrack enveloping visitors in moonlight and sound. Bookable in 30-minute slots from 6.30pm.
• Family Silent Disco (Saturday 7 March, 1pm & 5.30pm)Dance the afternoon away under the moon at this family-friendly silent disco celebration – all the fun, none of the bedtime battles.
• Picturehouse Movies under the Moon (Saturday 14 March)A magical cinema experience screening under Luke Jerram’s spectacular lunar installation. Details and timings to be announced.
• Free Family Activities (17-18 February, half-term) Space-themed creative sessions including acetate stained glass windows, badge-making, wooden figure decorating and arch-building.
• Public Lecture: From the Earth to the Moon and beyond (Thursday 19 February, 11am)Revd Professor David Wilkinson explores humanity in cosmic perspective. Free event with Q&A and refreshments.
• Monday Midday Mindfulness (23 February, 2 & 9 March, 12pm) Twenty minutes of companionable silence under the moon – open to all, no booking required.

THE ARTWORK

Measuring six metres in diameter, Museum of the Moon features detailed 120dpi 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 installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.

Luke Jerram’s work will be familiar to many Chester Cathedral visitors – his spectacular Earth installation Gaia was displayed at the Cathedral in February 2023. 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.

VISITING INFORMATION

Museum of the Moon at Chester Cathedral runs 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 available at chestercathedral.com/moon

The exhibition will be closed when events are taking place in the south transept. Visitors travelling specifically for the exhibition are advised to check the website for closure dates.