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Gaia at Durham Cathedral

This Summer, we're welcoming Luke Jerram's awe-inspiring artwork, Gaia, to Durham Cathedral.

What is Gaia?

Gaia is a giant illuminated globe installation by UK artist Luke Jerram.

The seven-metre diameter Earth installation gives the unique opportunity to see our home planet on this scale and reflect on the importance of caring for nature.

It features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and a specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning Composer, Dan Jones, is played alongside the sculpture to give a truly out-of-this-world experience.

Our home as you've never seen it before

At Durham Cathedral, you will be able to gaze up at Earth as it's seen from space, 1.8 million times smaller than the real planet. See if you can spot your home as you walk around the artwork while it slowly rotates. 

The installation creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.

Don’t miss your chance to wander around the Earth, seeing it floating in three-dimensions in the iconic cathedral setting. 

Image credit: W5 Belfast

Visiting Gaia at Durham Cathedral

You can experience Gaia daily, during cathedral opening hours from 10 July to 10 September 2023.

Entry to view Gaia is free of charge and there is no booking required, however, donations are welcome. Your donation to Durham Cathedral helps us to care for the cathedrals buildings for future generations and enables us host events such as Gaia.

A full programme of events will take place throughout the summer which may include an entry fee and /or advanced booking.

Be the first to know about special events

Look out for an earth-themed programme of events which will accompany this awe-inspiring installation, including late night openings, tours, family activities and more.

Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about upcoming events taking place underneath Gaia.

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Stewards of the Earth

Part of our mission here at Durham Cathedral is to care for the planet we live on. 

Gaze up at the beauty of planet Earth as astronauts see it from space, as we reflect on the health of our home and what we can do to help reverse the effects of climate change. 

Image credit: Bluedot

Gaia in other locations

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The Moon's sister

In 2021, we welcomed another piece of breath-taking artwork by Luke Jerram - Museum of the Moon. 

From September to November 2021, we welcomed almost 100,000 visitors to see the Moon with visitors describing their experience as ‘spectacular’ and ‘awe-inspiring’,  ‘grounding’, ‘spiritual’ and ‘reflective’.

Useful information

Do I need to pay to see Gaia?

Visitors can come and see Gaia during cathedral opening times without booking and with free entry, although donations are welcome.

Additional events may include an entry fee and /or advanced booking.


Is this suitable for children?

Gaia is suitable for all ages. Some special events may have age restrictions, so please check before booking. Pushchairs are welcome inside the cathedral, please bear in mind there are a few steps to access some areas.


Is the event accessible for people with limited mobility?

Most parts of the cathedral are accessible for people using wheelchairs and mobility aids, and people who have limited mobility. More information is available on our Accessibility page.

Taxis can drop visitors off at the cathedral on Palace Green, from which there is level access to the cathedral. We also have limited accessible parking behind the cathedral. During large events, we cannot guarantee spaces, but will always try to accommodate requests. To request accessible parking, please contact us at visitor.desk@durhamcathedral.co.uk.

Entrance to the cathedral is via a ramp, the main part of the cathedral has level access and getting to the exit through the Galilee Chapel is via a ramp.


Can I take photos and video of the installation?

Yes, we welcome photography and video for personal use only. We'd love to share your pictures on our social media channels.


What size bag can I bring?

Rucksack-sized bags and smaller can be taken into the cathedral. For security reasons, large bags and suitcases can not be brought inside the cathedral. We do not have any luggage storage facilities.


Can I bring my dog?

Assistance dogs are welcome, but please don’t bring pets to this event.


Do you have toilets?

Yes. The cathedral’s toilets can be accessed through the shop and restaurant, off the Cloister. There are also public toilets on Palace Green outside the cathedral, next to the red phone box on Palace Green.


Gallery image credits (Left to Right): National History Museum, Salisbury Cathedral, University of Bristol, National History Museum, Salisbury Cathedral.