An extraordinary art installation, named Museum of the Moon, is making its debut in Scotland this summer.
The installation is being brought to Scotland by UZ Arts who are working in partnership with Synergy Concerts, Take Me Somewhere festival, The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society and Kelburn Castle Estate.

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. The moon has been stunning viewers across the world and now the people of Scotland will get the opportunity to see the highly detailed installation for themselves.

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.

A series of events including specially commissioned music, film, talks and performances from artists inspired by the moon, will take place at Mackintosh Queen’s Cross between 11th May and 24th June 2018, part of the celebrations for Mackintosh 150 – the 150th anniversary of Mackintosh’s birth. The moon will then move on to Kelburn Castle Estate where it will be visible at the annual Kelburn Garden Party from 29th June until 1st July.

The first live music event under the moon at Mackintosh Queen’s Cross will take place on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th May and is entitled: Museum of the Moon presents: Dark Side of the Moon. Pink Floyd’s 1973 seminal album, will be performed live by Start to End’s world class seven piece band. Doors 7.30pm. Over 14s. Tickets £20.00.

Neil Butler, Artistic Director, UZ Arts – Scottish producers of the show – commented: “The Museum of the Moon has an extraordinary presence and provides a magical experience for the public. In the setting of Mackintosh Queen’s Cross it will provide inspiration for the artists and musicians who will create their lunar inspired events beneath the Moon. At the Kelburn Garden Party, the Moon will be located in the Neverending Glen – one of the most beautiful locations in Scotland.”

Brian Reynolds of Synergy Concerts, said: “Mackintosh Queen’s Cross is already the most beautiful venue in Glasgow and this is one of the most breathtaking installations I’ve ever seen. I’m thrilled to be collaborating again with my dear friend and ex Arches comrade, LJ Findlay Walsh. I’ve got some brilliant concerts and events up my sleeve including the world class Start to End musicians performing Pink Floyd’s classic album Dark Side of The Moon, while you examine the dark side, in the light.”

LJ Findlay-Walsh of Take Me Somewhere festival, said: “Take Me Somewhere champions artists working in distinctive and radical ways and aims to bring transformative cultural experiences to the city of Glasgow. We are delighted to bring Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram to the communities within Maryhill and the city more widely. A unique work, it encourages many things from wonder and reflection to celebration, also acting as a reflective surface for its environment, the beautiful Mackintosh Queen’s Cross.”

Stuart Robertson, Director of The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing Museum of the Moon to Mackintosh Queen’s Cross. The Moon has been a major influence on artists, musicians and poets throughout the centuries. A young Charles Rennie Mackintosh was no different; in 1892 he created his first symbolist watercolour, The Harvest Moon. This depicts the annual phenomenon, when the first full moon is closest to the autumnal equinox or the time of year when crops are traditionally harvested. We have a programme of exciting events running alongside Museum of the Moon which will be revealed in the coming weeks. This is going to be a spectacular event and a must-see if you are in Glasgow this summer!”

Museum of the Moon will then move on to Kelburn Castle in Largs for the annual Kelburn Garden Party from 29th June until 1st July. This is part of a major new arts initiative in the Neverending Glen, currently being developed by the Kelburn Estate and UZ Arts.

Full programme details are available at www.museumofthemoon.com