Scriptorium: The Illuminated Histories

A spectacular light and sound installation by ‘Luxmuralis’

1 - 5 October 2024

Luxmuralis return from the 1st to the 5th October 2024. Tickets are now on sale and advance booking is highly recommended.

A spectacular experience

Featuring imagery from the collections of Rochester Cathedral

Drawing inspiration from the illuminated manuscripts of the Anglo-Saxon era, "Scriptorium" transports viewers into a world of timeless beauty and enchantment. Intricately crafted pages comes to life in vivid detail, as dynamic projections illuminate nearly every part of Rochester Cathedral with a symphony of colour, light, and sound. From breathtaking depictions of biblical scenes to intricate Anglo Saxon motifs, dragons, knights and beasts will fill every inch of the Cathedral as it is adorned with the luminous glow of history. 

However "Scriptorium" is more than just a visual feast, it is a multi-sensory experience unlike any other. As visitors wander through the cathedral, they are enveloped in a symphony of soundscapes that complement and enhance the visual spectacle unfolding before them. From haunting chants to stirring melodies, the music serves as a poignant backdrop to the timeless narratives woven throughout the illuminated manuscripts.

What sets "Scriptorium" apart is its sheer scale and ambition, with nearly every inch of the Cathedral adorned with light and sound. From the soaring heights of the nave to the intimate architecture around the interior of the Cathedral, "Scriptorium" invites viewers to explore every facet of Rochester Cathedral in a way they have never experienced before.

As Luxmuralis premieres "Scriptorium: The Illuminated Histories" at Rochester Cathedral, audiences are invited to immerse themselves in a unique and unforgettable experience that celebrates the beauty of the past while igniting hope for the future. Join us as we embark on a journey through the illuminated histories of the Anglo-Saxon era, where art, history, and imagination converge in a dazzling display of creativity and wonder.

Images and video from past Luxmuralis shows

Tickets

Tickets will need to be pre-booked.

Off Peak Tickets available (Tuesday 1st, Wednesday 2nd, Thursday 3rd)

Adults £10 (Off-Peak £8.50)

Children (Under 18) £6 (Off-Peak £5)

Family tickets (2 adults & 2 children) £29 (Off Peak £24)

Infants (Under 3) Free

Carers go free when accompanying a paid adult ticket. See below for details of who is entitled to these tickets. Please email info@rochestercathedral.org for more information before booking your ticket.

Please note from 3pm Friday 4th onward carers tickets are only available after 7.40pm on arrival as no one is in the office to process requests. Please bring valid ID for these. See below for details of who is entitled to these tickets. Please book your full priced tickets for the rest of your party before arrival for slots after 7.40pm.

Tickets are non-refundable and can not be moved to another day

Performances

Performances will take place this Autumn on the evenings of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th. Timed entry will be in operation with the first time slot at 6.40pm.

About the Artistic team and production

Artist Peter Walker and Composer David Harper are an Artistic collaboration called ‘Luxmuralis’.  Through Son-et-Lumiere installation and sound art pieces they transform and reinterpret the sense of place and space creatively helping members of the public to take a physical and emotional journey to identify with the subject and message of the artwork.

Examples of the many reactions and responses from previous art shows :

“Absolutely fantastic, so thought provoking simply beautiful!”

“Just visited the fantastic displays, Truly stunning, thank you”

“Just been to see this, it was fantastic and very moving.”

“I have been to a good number of Luxmuralis events now and they never fail to move me. Using the lofty and beautiful architecture of a Cathedral to tell human stories in light and sound in a place steeped in worship, it feels like a modern form of worship; a new way to connect with and nourish the spiritual self, whether that be in concert with one’s religious beliefs but also not requiring any in particular. It is beautiful, it is moving, it is thought-provoking, it is grounding, it is community-building, it is phenomenal Art.”

More information and FAQs

Do I need to book tickets in advance? How can I book tickets?

Yes, tickets must be booked in advance. Tickets can be booked on our website.

Can I get a refund?

Tickets are non-refundable for this experience.

Can I change the date and time of my ticket?

Ticket dates and times cannot be altered once purchased. Please email info@rochestercathedral.org if you have any enquiries over this.

How will I receive my tickets

Your ticket should arrive by email.

If you do not receive the email from Rochester Cathedral please check your junk folder before contacting us.

What can I expect?

The experience involves walking through the Cathedral to view a number of different light and sound projections. Each installation last about 5 – 8 minutes on a continuous loop. The whole experience should last between 40 – 50 minutes.

This exhibition includes loud sounds, music and moving and flashing images throughout the experience, as well as bright lights and areas of darkness within the Cathedral.

Timeslots

Timeslots are in operation for this event to allow a steady flow of people. Admission to the Cathedral will be within the timeslot you have booked.

What are off-peak tickets?

Off-peak tickets are available for all shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Can I arrive earlier or later than my timeslot?

Early entry will not be permitted but every effort will be made to allow access if you are running late within the confines of the opening hours of the exhibition. This will depend on capacity and will be at the discretion of Rochester Cathedral.

Where will I enter and exit?

Entry will be through the North Door to the side of the Cathedral. Exit will be at the small West Door at the front of the Cathedral.

Level or Accessible Access

We will endeavour to ensure all ticket holders enjoy their experience to the best of our abilities. However, please be aware that some of the route is not suitable for all wheelchair users. There are some stairs to get up to the Quire. We do have a lift which has a weight limit of 130kgs. Please email info@rochestercathedral.org and we will advise on any specific inquiries.

Please do let us know in advance of arriving if you require assistance during the experience and we will do our best to assist.

Entry to the Cathedral for this event is through the North Door which has level access.

What do I need to show when I arrive?

Tickets can either be bought online through our website or from the Cathedral Welcome Desk. If tickets are purchased online then the confirmation email counts as your ticket. Ideally this should be printed out but it is fine to show it on your phone as well. Taking a screenshot means you don’t have to worry about signal when arriving.

Please bring these with you on the night.

Do you have concession tickets?

There are no concession tickets available for this event.

Can I get a carers ticket?

If you require a carers ticket please email info@rochestercathedral.org before booking your ticket.

Guests who have the following documentation are entitled to one free carer ticket, however, the guest with the disability and any further members of their party will pay full price. Carers tickets can only be booked with a full priced ticket.

Please show the relevant paperwork as well as suitable photo ID of the named recipient at the ticket office when you buy or collect your ticket/s. For proof of disability, please bring any ONE of the following forms of documentation:

• Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA/Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book

• Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter of award

• Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded. Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• A valid Blue Badge

• In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI)

• A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card

• Credibility’s Access Card with +1 symbol

  Disabled guests who have a specific need for a second helper/carer can request another free ticket, but will need to show that they have a need for a second carer by providing suitable proof, namely a letter from a school, GP or hospital consultant detailing why the second carer is required.

Will I have to queue?

Queues are likely for this event, we will do our best to get everyone admitted as close to their time slot as possible.

Parking

There is no dedicated parking for this event and car parks in Rochester will be busy. We encourage visitors to walk or use public transport where possible. Please leave plenty of time to find parking. Find out more here

Is this different to the lightshow in Canterbury Cathedral?

Yes, the light show at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent is by the team behind Scriptorium but is a completely different show.

Do you have toilets?

Yes we do have toilets. These are located in the gardens of Rochester Cathedral. We also have a disabled toilet inside the Cathedral.

Is this suitable for the family?

This lightshow is perfect as a family activity and is educational

Can under 18s visit unattended

All under 18 year olds should be accompanied by an adult

Why are you using the term Anglo-Saxon?

In recent years, some scholars have preferred to describe this period as the Early Medieval era, believing it to be a more accurate characterisation of the time. However, we have chosen to use the term "Anglo-Saxon" as it is more familiar to the general public, having been a regular feature of the National Curriculum. We hope this lightshow inspires visitors to learn more about the Early Medieval world.

Will Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon be there

No, Draco Roffensis leaves us on the 21st September but this lightshow is part of our Textus 900 celebrations.