Mars

Chichester Cathedral will host artist Luke Jerram’s immersive installation Mars from 19th October to 10th November 2024. 
Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface vaulted in the Nave of the Cathedral. 

Each centimetre of the spherical sculpture represents ten kilometres of the surface of Mars with every valley, crater, volcano and mountain visible for visitors to explore. 

The artwork will be on show at the Cathedral just after 150 years since the birth of celebrated Composer Gustav Holst, who is interred within the Cathedral’s North Transept.  Holst is best known for The Planets, a seven-movement orchestral suite, with each movement named after a planet of the Solar System - including Mars. 

As part of an exciting programme of special events, visitors can enjoy an atmospheric exploration of Mars by twilight at a series of ticketed evening viewings, where the installation will be on show alongside a sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.

The programme also features concerts, events and family activities to be enjoyed under Mars. Highlights include a special concert by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performing Gustav Holst's Mars, Bringer of War Movement of The Planets, free lunchtime concerts, space-themed storytelling sessions for children, intergalactic art workshops and a family-friendly Mission to Mars trail around Chichester city centre. Additionally, the Cathedral’s regular programme of worship will feature special services and a Prayer and Spiritual Trail, emphasising themes of sustainability.

Mars was co-commissioned by Kunsthal KAdE, Netherlands; UK Space Agency; Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK and UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. With supporting partner University of Bristol.

Header image: Trustees of Natural History Museum, London

Good to know

Admission & General information
  • Daytime admission (Monday - Saturday, 9.00am - 5.00pm & Sunday 12.30pm - 2.30pm) to the Cathedral and exhibition is by donation (recommended £5.00 per person). For more information and to book tickets for Evening Viewings and special events, click here >>
  • Respectful non-flash photography (without tripods) taken for personal use is permitted, but we kindly ask that you be considerate of other visitors.
Access & Facilities
  • Ramps throughout the Cathedral allow step-free access.
  • Toilet facilities are available in the Cathedral (including an accessible toilet with changing facilities). 
  • Dogs are welcome during key visiting hours (Monday – Saturday, 9.00am - 5.00pm and Sunday, 12.30pm - 2.30pm). 
  • There are a limited number of Accessible parking spaces situated on the approach to the Cathedral via West Street. These spaces can be used free of charge provided the vehicle is displaying a blue badge. For further information on Accessible parking in Chichester please click here.

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