‘Mars’, Luke Jerram’s mesmerising art installation, moves into a new orbit at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn from now until Sunday 9 March – its first ever appearance in Merseyside and Cheshire.
Following the success of ‘Museum of the Moon’ in October 2021 and ‘Gaia’ Earth in January 2024, ‘Mars’ is the latest of the UK artist’s spectacular planetary installations to be displayed in Norton Priory’s impressive visitor centre atrium.
Measuring six metres in diameter, ‘Mars’ is a touring artwork featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. Visitors will be able to view the installation from a variety of different angles, including an intimate viewing experience looking down on the Red Planet from the centre’s mezzanine balcony.
Against the stunning planetary backdrop, more than 30 different ‘out-of-this-world’ events will offer a wide range of fantastic experiences for both adults and children. TV’s famous Clanger models are rocketing in for special adventures in their own Space Garden and youngsters can enjoy dozens of exciting intergalactic craft sessions, Space Rover Lego building, storytelling, games, activities and music at weekends and over February half term.
Liverpool String Quartet and Cheshire’s Constabulary Band will delight concert audiences with magical musical journeys into outer space and Liverpool Astronomical Society will be hosting a special public Astronomy Day on Saturday 15 February.
Space-inspired comedy shows, storytelling, myths and legends, and talks on the Solar System and the Space Rover’s search for life on Mars will take audience minds ‘to infinity and beyond’, while more spiritual experiences on offer include meditation, yoga and healing gong baths.
During the six-week installation, normal museum opening times will move later in the day to allow for nighttime viewings. Special ‘Night at the Museum’ tickets are available, offering reduced price visits between 5pm and 7pm, and the wider museum will be open between 12 noon and 7pm for the duration of Mars’ time at Norton Priory. During the February half-term, opening times will be extended by two hours to cover 10am – 7pm.
Families are invited to explore the magic of Mars at the museum, with free child entry for standard museum visits (charges for children will apply for special events). Usual entry prices for visits between 12 noon and 7pm apply, with free entry for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens. Special discounted rates apply for ‘Night at the Museum’ viewings (5-7pm), and special events will be available at a range of prices.
For more information about visiting Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, Mars special events or book advance tickets, please visit www.nortonpriory.org.
For details of the Mars at the Museum event programme, there is a dedicated page on Norton Priory’s website: https://www.nortonpriory.org/events.php?category_id=17