Mars: War and Peace is coming to Truro Cathedral
We are delighted to confirm that we will welcome Luke Jerram’s spectacular touring artwork, Mars: War and Peace, in October 2025. This artwork follows on from his other astronomical artworks, Museum of the Moon and Gaia. Gaia was exhibited at Truro Cathedral in 2023.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. The Mars artwork is made from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data, Visible Earth series, NASA. At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars. Mars was named by the ancient Romans as their god of war, as its reddish colour was reminiscent of blood. Accompanying the Mars sculpture is a newly created sound composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones. Featuring the sounds of seas, deserts and clips from NASA missions to Mars, it also hints at the sounds of war.
The artwork allows the visitor to view Mars from the air, as if satellite mapping and studying the surface in perfect detail. Every valley, crater, volcano and mountain is laid bare for inspection. Transport to this desert wasteland and imagine what it’s like to step foot on this incredible planet and in comparison, value life on Earth.
Sean O’Neill, chief operating officer, said, “From the moment we had Gaia here I hoped that we would be able to host Mars next. The red/orange hues of Mars will bring the soft bathstone of the cathedral to life, especially during Mars by Night sessions!’
Visitors will be able to experience Mars daily throughout its stay from Monday 13 October to Sunday 2 November. Entry to Truro Cathedral will remain free throughout the installation during the day, with donations encouraged to enable the cathedral to continue to bring events such as Mars to the community of Cornwall. There will also be a range of ticketed events and activities accompanying the installation for people to enjoy, including the opportunity to ascend into the roof space and view Mars from an aerial perspective.
Reverend Simon Robinson, Dean of Truro Cathedral, said, “It is very good to welcome Luke Jerram’s great artwork Mars: War and Peace particularly as we approach the season of Remembrance. This vast artwork provokes us to reflect on conflict, conflict perhaps in our communities and conflict on a worldwide scale. My hope is that as we gaze at this incredible piece, in silence, in contemplation may gain a wider view of our place in the universe and of the challenges that humanity faces. We can all be peace-seekers and peace-makers. We simply have to make a choice. I am proud that Cornwall’s great cathedral, a place of sacred space and common ground for us all is hosting this evocative work”
Artist Luke Jerram said, “I am delighted to be invited to bring my artwork back to Truro Cathedral. 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”
Sign up to receive updates about Mars and surrounding events by signing up to the Truro Cathedral mailing list:
Mars is 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.
Photo Credit:Dave Parry, Press Association/Kensington & Chelsea Festival, 2023