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 Reflection and Prayer 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.
