Tom HallTuesday night (21 May) saw the Natural History Museum’s Venue Hire team launch the Museum of the Moon by artist Luke Jerram, taking centre stage in the Museum’s Jerwood Gallery.
For the first time, event organisers will have the opportunity to host both private and corporate functions beneath the installation until 1 January.
The launch event saw a selection of 100 guests gather under the moon to enjoy a stunning evening with entertainment from Sternberg Clarke, production by Bespoke Events flowers by Mary Jane Vaughan with Gusbourne providing English sparkling wine for the event. Catering was provided by Rhubarb, who presented a moonlight mushroom and truffle stall featuring black truffle bon bons, mushroom tea and truffle brioche and a cep and morel gnocchi. The moon’s reflection on a night-time lake inspired the silhouette dessert station.
The world renowned art installation, measuring six metres in diameter, features detailed NASA imagery to perfectly recreate the moon’s surface. Since its launch in Bristol in 2016, Jerram’s moon has been enjoyed at festivals, sporting events and in public spaces by thousands of visitors from across the globe. The artwork has been created in partnership with the UK Space Agency, University of Bristol and The Association for Science and Discovery Centres.
By day, the art installation will be on display to the public as part of the Museum’s temporary exhibits. After hours, attendees can hire the Gallery and enjoy the artwork for their own private events, including summer and Christmas parties, weddings and networking receptions.
Luke Jerram, the artist behind Museum of the Moon, said: “I’m very proud to be bringing Museum of the Moon to a space as iconic and prestigious as the Natural History Museum. The Museum places the natural world at the heart of its work, making it the perfect home for the Moon this summer and beyond.
“It will be the first time that the installation has featured in private parties and events, so I’m excited to see how the space will be adapted and utilised over the course of its time at the Museum.”
Robert Wetherell, Head of Venue Hire and Catering at the Natural History Museum, adds: “We are extremely proud of the Jerwood Gallery and the versatility it offers our clients. Luke Jerram’s impressive Museum of the Moon will be a very welcome addition to the space.”
“The Venue Hire team is looking forward to a season of exciting events and we are thrilled that this exclusive space will be part of our private hire offering.”