Mars: War & Peace
11 February - 8 March 2025
(C) Dave parry : Press Association
From the artist behind the beloved Museum of the Moon & Gaia. Luke Jerram’s Mars is coming to Rochester Cathedral in February 2025
About Mars: War & Peace
Mars: War & Peace is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram which follows on from his other astronomical artworks Museum of the Moon and Gaia.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery* of the Martian surface. At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.
Mars was named by the ancient Romans for their god of war because its reddish colour was reminiscent of blood. Accompanying the Mars sculpture is a newly created sound composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones. Featuring the sounds of seas, deserts and clips from NASA missions to Mars, it also incorporates the sounds of distant bombing and people marching, as if to war.
“Presented with a new soundtrack in the context of a church or cathedral, a space to encourage peaceful contemplation, Mars: War & Peace provides an opportunity for the public to consider the history of human conflict around the world. I hope that visitors will feel transported to the inhospitable desert wasteland of Mars, whilst also reflecting on the realities of war for ordinary communities of people on our planet.” Luke Jerram
The installation is a fusion of Mars imagery, light and surround sound composition. Each venue also programmes their own series of events to contemplate not just the beauty of the red planet and wonder of space science, but also to highlight injustice and the effects of war.
*The artwork is made from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data.
Mars is co-commissioned by Kunsthal KAdE, Netherlands; UK Space Agency; Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK and UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. With supporting partner University of Bristol.
Visiting Mars
Mars is open free of charge during the day. Rochester Cathedral is a working church and sometimes closes for special events and services. Please do double check opening times before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Groups including school groups must pre-book and charges do apply find out more here.
Events under Mars
We’ve got a huge variety of events and activities taking place under Mars.
Music and Concerts
Enjoy a programme of music inspired by the Red Planet. From outer-space inspired pop to the music of the silver screen. Be inspired as you sit under Mars.
Family Activities under Mars
Information coming soon
Find out more about visiting Mars and Rochester Cathedral
About the artist
Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. Jerram has a set of different narratives that make up his practice which are developing in parallel with one another. He is known worldwide for his large scale public artworks.
Mars is co-commissioned by Kunsthal KAdE, Netherlands; UK Space Agency; Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK and UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. With supporting partner University of Bristol.
