Moon comes to Winchester - and hundreds of people flock to see it in the cathedral

Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram at Winchester Cathedral (Image: Kimberley Barber)

PEOPLE came from all over the country to catch a glimpse of the moon as it appeared in all its magnificent glory in Winchester Cathedral.

The display, called The Museum of the Moon, is an artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram.

The out-of-this-world exhibition is on its way around the world, on a tour of cities, and it has already been experienced by over 20 million people worldwide.

It arrived in Winchester on February 5 and is on show until February 18, before it heads to  St Giles the Abbot in Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent.

Scores of people were amazed by its beauty this weekend, as the exhibition was included as part of normal cathedral entrance tickets.

Hampshire Chronicle: Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram at Winchester Cathedral

Victoria O’Hara, from Winchester, was there with her nephew Finley, two, and her sister Sarah Bradbury.

She said: “It’s impressive. It’s going all over the world so we were thrilled to be able to come to the cathedral and see it.”

Married couple Charlotte and John Duffy travelled from Petersfield for a day out in Winchester.

John said: “It is amazing. They have very good immersive displays here. We are blown away by the cathedral every time we come here. We like the way it is imaginative in drawing in visitors.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Will Gogerty

Will Gogerty (Image: Kimberley Barber)

Will Gogerty, 37, from London, was in the city visiting his in-laws, when they came as a family to visit the cathedral – and he was delighted to see the moon too.

“It is wonderful, I love it. We saw the light show here last year and it was amazing too,” he said.

Barry Jones, 73, was with his wife visiting Winchester for the weekend from their home in Essex.

He said: “I find the juxtaposition interesting, the old and the new. It seems like it should be out of place, but strangely when you’re here, it does not seem out of place at all.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Barry Jones

Barry Jones (Image: Kimberley Barber)

The moon, which measures seven metres in diameter, was suspended in the cathedral, with many stopping for pictures underneath.

Entry to see the moon is included with a general admission ticket, which costs £12.50 and allows entry for a whole year. Over 66 concessions cost £10 and students are £6.50.

More space-themed activities will take place over half-term with ‘astronomical adventure’ workshops with Winchester Science Centre on Thursday, February, 15 in the day with a talk by Mark Thompson on climate change in the evening.

Hampshire Chronicle: Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram at Winchester Cathedral

There will be two silent discos on Saturday, one for families at 6pm and one for adults at 8pm, where people can dance under the moon.

The next immersive light experience by Luxmuralis called Crown and Coronation will take place from March 4 until 8.

For more go to winchester-cathedral.org.uk/