Rochester Cathedral to welcome latest Luke Jerram artwork Mars: War and Peace

The artist behind a popular exhibition that attracted over 100,000 people to a cathedral is returning with a new installation.

The eye-catching sculpture of the red planet called Mars: War and Peace is coming to Rochester Cathedral next month.

The piece by Luke Jerram is seven metres wide and features detailed NASA imagery.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.

Featuring sounds of seas and deserts against distant bombing and people marching to war, and clips from NASA missions to Mars, the work will aim to encourage peaceful contemplation.

The man behind the installation said: “Mars: War and 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’s artworks Gaia and Museum of the Moon were previously displayed at the cathedral in 2022 and 2020, and drew in record visitor numbers.

The latter saw more than 100,000 people turn out to see it.

His latest piece will be free to visit during the day although there may be a cost for groups.

A series of events are set to accompany the exhibition, including a concert featuring a live performance from Roger Sayer who was the original organist from Hans Zimmer’s score.

To find out more and book tickets click here.

The installation will be at Rochester Cathedral from February 11 to March 8.