Visitors will be able to experience an awe-inspiring multi-media art installation in Mansfield that promises to bring you the earth.
Gaia - a breath-taking six-metre replica of planet Earth will be presented at Mansfield Palace Theatre. Free viewings open on World Earth Day on Tuesday 22 April until Sunday 27 April.
Audiences at ticketed events at the theatre will be able to see the stunning sculpture suspended above the theatre’s stage from Saturday 19 April.
It will be the first time the artwork, by renowned artist Luke Jerram, has been on show in Nottinghamshire.
Named after the Greek goddess of life, the giant floating globe aims to delight, amaze, and inspire respect for the only planet in the universe that we can all call home.
Visitors will be able to enjoy free immersive audio soundscapes through headphones to complement the subtly-lit visual spectacle.
There will also be a rare opportunity to see and explore the theatre’s backstage spaces, and in the Theatre foyer, there will be a looped thought-provoking film to watch called Overview Effect, which explores humanity’s shifting view of Earth from space.
Other exciting activities will be run in tandem with the Gaia installation including concerts, cinema, a virtual reality experience and yoga.
Sian Booth, the council’s Cultural Services Manager, said: “It was the renowned American astronomer and planetary scientist Carl Sagan who once said ‘No other planet in the solar system is a suitable home for human beings; it's this world or nothing’.
"We invite people come and ponder life, the universe and everything while standing under the stunning and fantastic installation. We hope it will emphasise both the beauty and fragility of our beautiful world and enable people to feel a connection to their home, a tiny blue marble within the vastness of space.”
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “Awesome is an over-used word but in this instance, I think it is entirely appropriate.
“There is nothing more humbling than considering how small we are and how tiny our planet is in the great scheme of things. Sometimes it is useful and levelling to put these things into perspective when considering our responsibilities as guardians of the third planet from the sun.
“We are so proud of being able to bring this kind of world class art to Mansfield and we are expecting this free spectacle to draw widespread interest during its few days here.”
The exhibition has been made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England as part of the council’s status as a National Portfolio Organisation and from the Government’s Town’s Fund allocation as part of the Destination Mansfield campaign.
Admission times
Tuesday 22 April: 3pm to 9pm
Wednesday 23 April: 3pm to 9pm
Thursday 24 April: 3pm to 9pm
Friday 25 April: 1pm to 5pm
Saturday 26 April: 10am to 1pm
Sunday 27 April: 1pm to 4pm
Admission is free with pre-bookable timed slots available on the Palace Theatre website (link opens in new window). Visitors can also gain entry on the door on the day.