This 7-Metre Moon Sculpture Is Headlining Harwell’s Big Anniversary

A large-scale sculpture of the Moon is set to be unveiled at Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, marking the start of the site’s 80th anniversary commemorations. The striking installation, titled Museum of the Moon, will be open to the public from 21 May until 6 June 2025.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, the internally lit artwork recreates the Moon’s surface using detailed imagery from NASA. Every centimetre of the sculpture corresponds to approximately five kilometres of lunar terrain, offering a close-up view of the celestial body that’s both artistic and scientifically accurate.

The installation, created by British artist Luke Jerram, has toured globally since its debut in 2016, visiting 41 countries and drawing more than 20 million visitors. Jerram’s previous work also includes a glass model of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, commemorating 10 million vaccinations in the UK. That piece was displayed at Oxford’s History of Science Museum.

Rebecca Duvall, head of community at Harwell Campus, said: “We’re incredibly proud to launch our 80th anniversary celebrations with this remarkable installation. The Museum of the Moon is a fitting tribute to the spirit of innovation that has defined Harwell since its beginnings.”

Public Events and Space-Themed Activities

The lunar sculpture is just the beginning of a broader two-year celebration planned for the Harwell Campus. During the exhibition, visitors can take part in a series of events, including yoga sessions beneath the installation, space-themed lectures, and even a silent disco set against the Moon’s glow.

Duvall added that the sculpture is a starting point for a “two-year journey of celebration, innovation and discovery,” reflecting Harwell’s ongoing commitment to scientific advancement.

Home to more than 200 organisations, Harwell Campus plays host to major institutions such as the European Space Agency and pharmaceutical company Moderna, further underlining its role as one of the UK’s most prominent centres for science and innovation.