In winter 2024, artist Luke Jerram’s incredible planetary installation Mars will amaze visitors to the iconic Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. This final celestial work concludes Jerram’s series at the UNESCO heritage site, following Gaia and Museum of the Moon. The exhibition runs from 23 November 2024 to 28 January 2025.
Image above: Mars in the Painted Hall, Luke Jerram, Courtesy of Old Royal Naval College
Visitors will be awed by the sight of the red planet against the magnificent backdrop of the Painted Hall, which brings together two stunning works of art and combines science, history and myth. This fascinating artwork, seven metres in diameter, is a full-scale replica of Mars with detailed NASA images of the Martian surface. Impressive in scale and a million times smaller than the original, the internally illuminated artwork transports us to Earth’s closest neighbouring planet, which can often be seen in the night sky. Mars is accompanied by a surround sound composition by BAFTA award-winner Dan Jones, which includes extracts from NASA missions to Mars and completely immerses visitors in this other world.
The iconic spectacle, which transports audiences to the desert wasteland, will open on Saturday 30 November 2024 with Party Under Mars. This out-of-hours event explores the fascinating connection between cosmic exploration and pop culture through music. The first event offers the opportunity to admire Mars from day to night and celebrate the planet’s influence on popular culture. The first event will feature a live performance and DJ, followed by a late night event with a silent disco.
Taking place on 6 and 7 December 2024, Lie Down and Listen: A Sound Journey to Mars is a feel-good event inviting visitors on an exclusive sound journey beneath Mars. Curated by Christina McMaster, pianist, composer and visionary founder of Lie Down and Listen, together with innovative, award-winning composer and sensory designer Tom Middleton, Lie Down and Listen immerses the audience in an ambient listening experience.
Other Mars wellbeing events include Sound Healing: Serenity on Mars on 20 December 2024, where the winter solstice will be celebrated with a tranquil seasonal sound bath, Mars Flow: Yoga and Brunch on 18 January 2024, where yogis of all levels can set their resolutions for the year, followed by a delicious brunch, and Yoga Under Mars with Kindred Yoga on 29 November 2024.
For autistic and neurodiverse visitors who prefer a quieter environment, silent hours with reduced capacity and without sound are offered every Friday between 10 and 11 a.m. during the installation.
Kate Miners, Director of Public Engagement and Promotion at the Old Royal Naval College, comments: ‘We are thrilled to have Mars in the iconic Painted Hall. Large, spectacular art installations like this are not only transformative for the space, but also for every visitor’s experience. They stimulate the imagination, inspire conversation and bring new life to this beautiful historic setting. We are committed to making this a place where art and heritage merge to create unforgettable cultural moments.’
Artist Luke Jerram also comments: ‘As an artist, I am honoured to see Mars in the spectacular Painted Hall. It provides a unique backdrop that creates a powerful dialogue between art, space and story. I hope that Mars invites visitors to reflect on our place in the universe and that they feel transported to the inhospitable desert wasteland and truly appreciate our lives on Earth in comparison.’
Programme
Party under Mars
Saturday, 30 November 2024
Lie down and listen: A sound journey to Mars
Friday, 6 and Saturday, 7 December 2024
Mars winter solstice sound bath: serenity on Mars
Friday, 20 December 2024
Mars Flow: Yoga and brunch
Sunday, 18 January 2025
Yoga under Mars with Kindred Yoga
Friday, 29 November 2024
Social Media Mondays
Every Monday, 10 – 11 am
Quiet Hour Fridays
Every Friday, 10 – 11 am
WHEN?
Exhibition dates: Saturday, 23 November 2024 – Tuesday, 28 January 2025
Opening hours: Sunday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
WHERE?
Old Royal Naval College
Painted Hall
King William Walk
Greenwich
London SE10 9NN
United Kingdom
COSTS?
16.50 GBP
