In January 2024 Norton Priory Museum and Gardens will be hosting the touring artwork Gaia by UK artist Luke Jerram.  Measuring 6 metres in diameter and created from detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, the artwork provides the opportunity to see our planet, floating in three dimensions.

The installation aims to create a sense of the Overview Effect, first described by author Frank White in 1987.  Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, ad a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.

For centuries, humans wanted to reach the beauty of the moon and the stars above.  And when the first astronaut finally stood on the moon, surrounded by the stars, the most beautiful sight was the Earth, glistening jewel-like in the infinite darkness. 

Advance ticket sales have now ended but tickets are available from the museum reception desk on arrival on Sunday 28th January 2024 from 12:00pm.  Please note the museum closes at 7:00pm.

Gaia. Photo by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

Last chance to see Luke Jerram's Gaia in the museum atrium, with an opportunity to view the Grade 1 listed medieval undercroft and the two museum galleries at night.  

The museum looks magical as darkness gathers around the building and sweeps across the excavated remains of the medieval priory complex.

View Gaia from the ground floor as well as from the mezzanine, for a whole new perspective on the planet we call home.  Grab a selfie with the world in your hand, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Please note that due to low light levels, the woodlands will be closed to visitors to 'A Night at the Museum with Gaia'.  These tickets are only valid for entry from 5:00pm and the museum will close at 7:00pm.  The Brooke Cafe will be closed for evening viewings.

Advance ticket sales have now ended but tickets are available from the museum reception desk on arrival on Sunday 28th January 2024 from 5:00pm.  Please note the museum closes at 7:00pm.

Gaia at Liverpool Cathedral for Liverpool City Council’s River Festival, 2019. Photo (c) Phil Longfoot

Settle down and get comfy for a modern fable about the power of Nature, delivered by professional storyteller, Rogan Mills

This special version of the story is told as a folk tale, delivered as an oral retelling.  The story features two main characters, plus some commuters, and it will be told in the presence of Gaia. 

Rogan Mills' unique storytelling style brings a lovely gentle, human touch to this remarkable tale, and makes for a storytelling treat as a January evening gathers around the museum.

Suitable for older primary school aged children.

Advance ticket sales have now ended but tickets are available from the museum reception desk on arrival on Sunday 28th January 2024 from 12:00pm.  Please note the museum closes at 7:00pm.  Please note the story, told by Rogan Mills, will start at 4:30pm.

Join us for a very special finale event for Gaia, as we invite you to say so long, farewell, auf widersehen and goodnight to this pretty sight.

We have brought together the magical voice of Nicola Mills with the talent of pianist Maria King to create an enchanting concert to mark the close of Gaia's time at Norton Priory.  The concert will include a range of songs which reflect nature and the natural world, and offer a wide mix of music to appeal to most tastes.

Nicola's uniquely warm style will bring a sense of wonderment and magic to the evening, and there will be opportunities to sing along during the concert.  It's the perfect finale to Gaia and an antidote to the dark winter nights.

The performance will take place in Norton Priory's stunning atrium, with Gaia as a backdrop, suspended in perpetual motion behind the stage.

The performance will consist of two 40-minute sets, with an interval between them.

Gaia, 2019.  Photo (c) W5, Belfast