In August 2021, the Museum of the Moon was presented at Bristol Cathedral. In the 18 days it was presented in Bristol Cathedral, over 65,000 visitors came through the doors. This is more than any other exhibition at the Cathedral in living memory, and almost certainly ever.
Thanks to the many thousands who donated so freely during their visit, we have been able to raise £13,000 for St Mungo’s, the homelessness charity.
From lectures on Astronomy, Beer and Cheese nights, Aardman animation workshops, performances and poetry recitals, a large programme of events took place beneath the moon.
Music Evenings
James Dorman’s Lunar Art Ensemble Friday 20 August, 7.30pm to 8.30pm, £10
A special evening of immersive music from acclaimed composer James Dorman, with an evening of music for clarinet, vibraphone, prepared guitar… and laptop.
Blue Moon, with the Fitzhardinge Consort Saturday 21 August, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, £10
An exclusive opportunity to hear these “purveyors of exquisite a capella choral music” (Classic FM), singing polyphony and close harmony under the Moon.
Lady Nade Thursday 26 August, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, £12
Fresh from her latest album release, alternative folk-pop-jazz balladeer Lady Nade sings under the Moon with her band. Support act: Phil King.
Haydn’s Life on the Moon, with Opera in a Box Saturday 28 August, 7.00pm to 8.30pm, £20
A one-off performance of a lesser-known Haydn comedic and light opera buffa. Performed in English under the Moon, this is not to be missed.
Science Talks
Everything That Has Landed On The Moon Thursday 12 August, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, £7
David Spilling, from Thales Alenia Space Bristol talks about everything that has landed on the moon. Suitable for all ages.
Marvellous, Mysterious Moon Saturday 21 August, 10.00am to 11.00am, £2
Dr Alison Camacho, the secretary of the Bristol Astronomical Society, gives an interactive talk for all the family.
Moon: Art, Science, Culture Monday 23 August, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, £7
Dr Robert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical Society gives a talk about the moon, discussing topics from his latest book.
Beer + Cheese
A Very Bristol Beer + Cheese Evening Tuesday 17 and 24 August, 7.00pm to 9.00pm, £25
Enjoy four courses of exceptional beer from Left Handed Giant and cheese from the award-winning The Bristol Cheesemonger, under the light of the Moon.
Evening Moon
By The Light of the Evening Moon Saturday 14, Monday 16, Wednesday 18, Thursday 19, Friday 27 and Monday 30 August, £2
Experience the Moon in the evening with a pre-bookable entry every half-hour. (9.00pm entry is for just half an hour.)
Lamorna Hooker, St Mungo’s, said: “We are delighted that Luke Jerram chose to support St Mungo’s with the Museum of the Moon in Bristol this summer. It has been an amazing opportunity to introduce St Mungo’s to so many new people and we are honoured to have been associated with such an incredible exhibition. Your generous donations will help us to support even more people who are experiencing homelessness in Bristol; to support people in their recovery journey and prevent homelessness in the future.”
The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol said: The Museum of the Moon has been such a gift to Bristol Cathedral and the people of Bristol. The installation transformed our building, brought in visitors from around the city and the country, and provoked hundreds of conversations. It was wonderful to see the diversity of those who came through the doors, and to enjoy such a variety of events and music under the Moon. We are enormously grateful to Luke for his generosity, which enabled us and our visitors to be generous to others. We look forward to many such projects in the future!
Luke Jerram, the artist, said: “It’s been wonderful to present the Museum of the Moon in my home town. Visiting several times and attending many of the events, it’s been great to meet so many people who’ve come from right around the UK to visit the artwork. Thanks again to the staff and volunteers of the Cathedral for all their hard work, making the exhibition such a success. I met people of all ages and from all walks of life, who’d come to from London, Wales and the North of England specifically to see the Moon.”