Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire – This autumn, the historic Tewkesbury Abbey will be transformed by the arrival of Luke Jerram’s internationally acclaimed installation, Museum of the Moon, from 16 October to 4 November 2025.
Suspended beneath the Abbey’s soaring Norman arches, the seven-metre, internally lit lunar sculpture – featuring detailed NASA imagery – will create a breathtaking and contemplative experience, enhanced by a surround-sound composition by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones.
Accompanying the installation is an extensive three-week programme of events, inviting audiences of all ages to explore the Abbey in imaginative new ways—from concerts and theatre to wellness sessions and children's workshops.
“This is not just an installation—it’s an invitation,” says Reverend Canon Nick Davies, Tewkesbury Abbey. “An invitation to reflect, rejoice, and reconnect beneath the quiet beauty of the Moon in one of Britain’s most atmospheric sacred spaces.”
Programme Highlights:
- VIP Private View Evening (16 Oct) – An exclusive launch with drinks and canapés beneath the Moon.
- Illuminated Viewings (Selected evenings, 20 Oct–4 Nov) – Extended opening hours to enjoy the Moon by night, including dedicated sensory-friendly sessions.
- Shakespeare by Moonlight (30–31 Oct) – a specially curated performance by Wise & Wayward Theatre that celebrates the Moon’s magic in Shakespeare’s works - from romance to mischief.
- Half-Term Children’s Programme (27–31 Oct) – Including free events such as a kids space trail and storytime under the moon as well as bookable ‘Zoom to the Moon’ kids mornings with a bouncy castle (in the Abbey!), kids yoga and fun science workshops.
- Yoga Under the Moon (various dates) – Morning sessions blending wellness and wonder.
- Tea Dance Under the Moon (25 Oct) – A joyful afternoon of live music, dancing, and community spirit, whilst enjoying a sumptuous High Tea.
- Live Concerts Beneath the Moon:
- Dark Side of the Moon, by Everything Under the Sun (18 Oct) featuring the majestic Milton Organ.
- Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites, by The Illuminated Orchestra (21 Oct)
- The Planets by Holst, performed by The Fulltone Orchestra (1 Nov)
Worship will remain at the heart of the Abbey’s life throughout the installation, with specially themed services inviting prayer and reflection under the Moon.
- Introduction to Centering Prayer under the moon 22 and 24 October 2.30-3.00
- Centering Prayer under the moon 23 October 4pm
- Wild Worship 26 October 3-4pm
- A Time for Reflection with the Sentinel of Stillness 3 and 4 November 2.30-3.00
- Compline Service 19 and 26 October, 2 November
Visit the Tewkesbury Abbey website to purchase tickets for illuminated viewings and special events.
Admission for Illuminated Viewings: Adults £6 | Children £4 | Family £18
Sensory-friendly sessions available.
Community Support & Local Partnership
The Museum of the Moon programme at Tewkesbury Abbey is generously supported by Cotteswold Dairy, a proud Tewkesbury-based business with deep local roots and a strong commitment to family and community life and the Cotswold Designer Outlet.
Founded in 1938, Cotteswold Dairy is one of the UK’s largest independent family dairies, processing over 100 million litres of milk each year. With its main production site in Tewkesbury and depots in Cheltenham, Shropshire, North Wales and Herefordshire, the company supplies fresh, high-quality milk and dairy products to homes and businesses across England and Wales.
“We are delighted to support this unique celebration of creativity, heritage and family engagement in the heart of Tewkesbury,” said Louise Woodward, Director Cotteswold Dairy. “As a family business with strong local ties, we’re proud to play a part in making this extraordinary event accessible to the whole community.”
The Abbey also gratefully acknowledges the support of its delivery partners:
– The Nook Yoga Studio, for curating wellbeing experiences beneath the Moon
– The John Moore Museum, for collaborating on family-friendly activities and educational outreach
Together, these partnerships help ensure the Museum of the Moon experience is deeply rooted in and shaped by the community it serves.