Better than a helter skelter? Now a cathedral is transformed into the surface of the moon with spectacular light and sound installation to mark anniversary of the lunar landings
- The entire floor of the vast cathedral in Lichfield, Staffordshire, has been covered in large lunar craters
- Dazzling colourful lights have been projected onto the gothic ceiling of the 800-year-old cathedral
- A photo shows a 4.5metre high rocket bathed in red light which depicts the Apollo 11 mission
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A cathedral has been transformed into the surface of the moon with a spectacular light and sound installations as it marks the 50th anniversary of the lunar landings.
The entire floor of the vast cathedral in Lichfield, Staffordshire, has been covered in large craters to mimic the imperfections of lunar rock as the medieval building is turned into space.
Dazzling colourful lights have also been projected onto the gothic ceiling of the 800-year-old cathedral – as breath-taking photos show visitors lying on their back to watch the striking spectacle.
Another photo shows a 4.5metre high rocket bathed in red light which depicts the Apollo 11 mission in the immersive experience.
The entire floor of the vast cathedral in Lichfield, Staffordshire, has been covered in large craters and pockets to mimic the imperfections of lunar rock as the medieval building is turned into space
During the journey through space, visitors can see original moon landing film in a recreation of a 1960’s living room, watch the Big Bang and travel.
Meanwhile, unusual sound art is played as the cavity of the building is transformed – with the length of the cathedral almost reaching the same length as the Saturn V Apollo launch rocket at 370 feet.
It was created by cathedral artist-in-residence Peter Walker who worked with composer David Harper as an artistic collaboration called ‘Luxmuralis’.
The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, said: ‘For centuries humanity has stared at the stars and wondered. When in 1969 Armstrong and Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon that wondering began to become a reality.’
‘The Great Exhibition 2019: Space, this year will allow visitors to take their own one small step as the astronauts did, but go much further, for as they stand on the ‘One Small Step’ moon installation 50 years since the Apollo 11 landing we will take them on ‘One giant leap’ to the edge of the universe and back, all inside the stunning 800 year old Lichfield Cathedral.’
The Apollo 11 mission was the first on to land on the moon on 20 July 1969. The capsule landed on the Sea of Tranquillity, carrying mission commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Buzz Aldrin.
Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the lunar surface while Michael Collins remained in orbit around the moon.
When Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon, he said, ‘That’s one small step for (a) man; one giant leap for mankind.’
Dazzling colourful lights have been projected onto the gothic ceiling of the 800-year-old cathedral – as breath-taking photos show visitors lying on their back to watch the striking spectacle
Another photo shows a 4.5metre high rocket bathed in red light which depicts the Apollo 11 mission in the immersive experience
During the journey through space, visitors can see original moon landing film in a recreation of a 1960’s living room, watch the Big Bang and travel