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Stunning artwork on show at Science Festival

Gaia exhibition will be on display at Chelmsford Cathedral in October

Visitors to Chelmsford Cathedral this autumn will be able to experience an astronaut’s view of the world when the stunning Gaia artwork comes to Essex for the first time.

Measuring six metres in diameter and created from 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, Gaia provides the opportunity to see the planet in its entirety as it slowly revolves in the nave of Chelmsford Cathedral, accompanied by a surround-sound composition by BAFTA award winning composer Dan Jones.

Gaia is hosted by Chelmsford Cathedral and will open to the public on 12 October and every day until Sunday, 30 October. It has been brought to the city with the support of Essex County Council’s Climate Action Fund and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), with Gaia forming part of ARU's first annual Chelmsford Science Festival. 

James Rolfe, Chief Operating Officer at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:

“Gaia is a stunning installation and ARU is proud to be partnering with Chelmsford Cathedral to bring it to the heart of our city.

The exhibition will be a key part of the inaugural Chelmsford Science Festival, providing an opportunity for people of all ages to be inspired and to discover the fascinating world of science.”

 

Gaia will be open for visitors during the day and on selected evenings. During this time local environmental and eco organisations have been invited to provide interactive displays to encourage us to think about ways to protect our planet. In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy live music, talks and an evening of yoga against the spectacular backdrop of Gaia. 

There will also be lots of opportunity for children to enjoy Gaia especially at ARU’s Family Science Day on 15 October and fun half-term arts and crafts activities from 24 – 28 October. 

Keith Baggs, Chief Operating Officer, Chelmsford Cathedral, said:

“We’re delighted to announce this carefully curated programme which we hope will allow everyone to enjoy this wonderful art installation. As a Gold Eco Church award holder, Gaia is a unique opportunity for Chelmsford Cathedral to invite the public to reflect on the important part each one of us can play to protect the planet.”

 

As Chelmsford Cathedral expects to welcome a large number of visitors during Gaia’s installation, the Cathedral will be offering timed-entry tickets. Entry during the day is free and there is a small charge to visit in the evening when Gaia will be beautifully illuminated and the Cathedral lit by candlelight. Tickets to special events will be limited and organisers advise early booking. All tickets can be booked from Thursday, 1 September via the Chelmsford Cathedral website, chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/gaia.