A POPULAR touring artwork “seen by over three million people” will be displayed in Taunton next month.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has teamed up with UK artist Luke Jerram and St Mary Magdalene Church to bring the Museum of the Moon to Taunton.

Museum of the Moon is a touring artwork that has been seen by over three million people at venues across the world.

Measuring six metres in diameter, the moon features 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.

The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and, surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.

Cllr Caroline Ellis, executive member for culture, said: “SWT recognises the value of creative and cultural experiences and their power to enrich lives and create opportunities for our businesses, residents, and visitors.

“I am delighted that we are able to bring the world-renowned Museum of the Moon to Taunton. It will offer an amazing, shared experience that people of all ages from across the district and beyond can enjoy free of charge.”

The exhibition will be at St Mary Magdalene Church, Taunton, from March 18 to March 31 and will be free to enter.
The venue is also programming its own series of lunar-inspired events beneath the moon.

Vicar of St Mary Magdalene, Tobie Osmond said: “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon at St Mary Magdalene which is being made into a Minster Church the weekend before we host this critically acclaimed artwork.

“Somerset West and Taunton Council have been amazing to work with as get this ready. We look forward to having the Moon in the building and looking after all those who come to see it.”

Luke Jerram said: “For most people, this will be their most intimate, personal, and closest encounter they will ever have with the Moon. I hope that people in Taunton enjoy the experience.”

For times and further details of the exhibition visit www.visitsomerset.co.uk/Taunton/Whats-On/Exhibitions/Taunton-Moon-of-the-Minster