Bath Abbey is hosting Luke Jerram’s touring Gaia artwork as part of the Treasuring Creation Festival from 18th September – 29th October 2023. Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and provides the opportunity to see our planet floating in three-dimensions.
Gaia will be suspended underneath the tower in the centre of the Abbey, providing an awe-inspiring view as people enter the building. The artwork was previously on display at Wells Cathedral.
Gaia 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.
The artwork is 1.8 million times smaller than the real Earth with each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture describing 18km of the Earth’s surface.
A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning Composer Dan Jones will be played alongside the sculpture. In Greek Mythology Gaia is the personification of the Earth.
Gaia is only available to see during Abbey opening times. As an active working church in the community, at times the Abbey is closed for visiting. Please check before you visit for last minute variations.