A giant inflatable artwork depicting the planet Mars has arrived at Norton Priory in Runcorn.
It opened to the public on 28th January and will remain in situ until 9th March.
The mesmerising installation is the creation of artist Luke Jerram whose other works – including Museum of the Moon and Gaia – have previously been on display at the Cheshire heritage site.
Mars’ arrival marks its first appearance in Cheshire and it can be viewed in the museum’s impressive atrium.
Measuring six metres in diameter, Mars is a touring artwork featuring detailed NASA imagery of the martian surface.
Visitors will be able to view the installation from a variety of different angles, including getting a view from above the red planet from the centre’s mezzanine floor.
There will also be a series of more than 30 different “out-of-this-world” events accompanying the installation.
The famous Clangers will be rocketing in for special adventures in their own space garden and youngsters can enjoy intergalactic craft sessions, Lego building, storytelling, games, activities and music at weekends as well as during the February half term.
Liverpool String Quartet, Liverpool Brass Quintet and the Band and Drums of the Cheshire Constabulary will be performing underneath the installation as well.
Liverpool Astronomical Society will also be hosting a special public astronomy day on 15th February.
Space-inspired comedy shows, storytelling, myths and legends, meditation, yoga, gong baths – plus talks on the Solar System and the search for life on Mars – are all included in the event line-up.
During the six-week duration of the installation, normal museum opening times will move later in the day to allow for nighttime viewings.
The museum will be open daily from midday until 7pm during Mars’ time at Norton Priory.
Opening times will be extended by two hours to cover 10am to 7pm during February half term.
For more information, visit: www.nortonpriory.org