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Book your tickets to The Museum of the Moon today

Tourism, Museums and The Arts
15:00, Thursday, 13th May 2021

Visitors to Scunthorpe’s 20-21 Visual Arts Centre will be able to admire a breath-taking moon sculpture when the centre re-opens later this month, as part of the venue’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

The Museum of the Moon, by UK artist Luke Jerram, is an impressive, illuminated replica installation of the moon. Measuring six metres in diameter, the moon will hang within the atmospheric nave of the Grade II* listed, former church building at 20-21.

The moon features a fusion of 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, together with moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and IVOR Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones, creating a stunning spectacle.

Photograph of Artist Luke Jerram pictured with The Museum of the Moon at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre

Artist Like Jerram pictured with The Museum of the Moon at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre. Photo: Mark Bickerdike

20-21 Visual Arts Centre is set to re-open to visitors on 17 May, coronavirus guidelines permitting. The Museum of the Moon will then run until 5 June. Due to demand, visitors are asked to pre-book their free tickets from 20-21’s website. Tickets are available now.

The Arts Centre, which has previously hosted high-profile exhibitions from Turner prize winning artists Antony Gormley and Grayson Perry, has announced an exciting programme of themed exhibitions to celebrate its anniversary.

To coincide with The Museum of the Moon, visitors can register for three extra-special events.

At the Conversation Café, people will be able to find out more about and put their questions to the man behind the moon, artist Luke Jerram. This free online event takes place on 28 May 2021, from 7pm. Follow this link to register for tickets.

Visitors also have the chance to join a unique Pilates session. Local instructor Emma North will take you on a galactic journey to perfectly coordinate your body and mind while gazing up at the Museum of the Moon. Tickets cost £20 per person, which includes a complimentary special edition ‘Galaxy Cookie’ from the Arts Centre’s popular café. Book your place on the 20-21 website.

Those looking for an exclusive interstellar experience can also book to enjoy a delicious picnic under the moon. Taking place on 29 May from 7pm to 9pm, this one-off event allows visitors to experience the magic of the moon, accompanied by a live piano performance from local musician Liam Fletcher. Just five tables are available, each sits up to six people and costs £120 to reserve, including the picnics. Follow this link to book.

20-21 Visual Arts Centre features five exhibition spaces showing a range of contemporary art and crafts from local, regional, national and international artists.

The unique history of the venue will be showcased in a 20th anniversary ‘the story of 20-21’ exhibition, which is also set to open on 17 May 2021. This will feature information about previous exhibitions and notable visits, including from Her Majesty the Queen and the late HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as well as past images and press-cuttings celebrating 20 years of creativity in Scunthorpe.

Later in the year, contemporary British artist Dan Rawlings will be marking 20-21’s anniversary with his largest artwork installation to date

Michelle Lally, Creative Arts Manager, North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“We are extremely proud of our significant history and heritage as a leading contemporary arts venue in North Lincolnshire. We’re really looking forward to inviting people back to see the wonderful array of exhibitions that we have planned. We have been busy preparing and, subject to government announcements, we will be ready to reopen on 17 May to begin our 20th anniversary celebrations.

“As we celebrate our past and look to the future, it is important for us to celebrate all the talented artists, past and present, who have exhibited with us and our dedicated staff that have made the venue what it is today. We hope that the public will join us at our exhibitions and events (some virtual and in person) throughout the year.”

Details of further 20th anniversary exhibitions and events will be announced throughout the year. To stay up to date visit the exhibitions page on the 20-21 website.

20-21 Visual Arts Centre is free for the public to visit. The gallery spaces are covid secure and visitor numbers are monitored on entry and throughout visiting hours. The Centre also has an onsite shop and café.