After a giant Earth and a giant moon, a huge Mars will be on display at the Old Royal Naval College in November when the final part of Luke Jerram’s trilogy comes to the Painted Hall.
The artwork, which is seven metres wide, features detailed Nasa imagery of the Martian surface. The installation will include a composition by the Bafta-winning composer Dan Jones, which will include clips from missions to Mars.
Jerram’s Mars follows the success of his Museum of the Moon, which opened in December 2022, and Gaia, his enormous Earth, which appeared in 2020 and 2021.
Matthew Mees, the Old Royal Naval College’s chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to present this beautiful and atmospheric work of art in our iconic space.
“Luke Jerram’s Mars will provide an immersive experience, sparking curiosity and wonder about our universe while highlighting the artistic and historical significance of the Painted Hall.”
Jerram himself said his artwork would allow people to have “a close encounter with the Martian planet”.
“I hope that visitors will feel transported to its inhospitable desert wasteland and, in comparison, really value our life on Earth,” he said.
Mars is due to open on November 24 and will be accompanied by Martian-themed events including dining, late openings and talks.
The Painted Hall has been used for a number of art installations since it reopened after an £8.5 million refurbishment in March 2019. In December last year Coalescence, made by Paul Cocksedge from 2,500 pieces of coal, was displayed there.