A floating model of the Earth is to land at Mansfield Palace Theatre.

Visitors will be able to experience the multi-media art installation, Gaia, at free viewings as well as other ticketed events.

The six-metre replica of planet Earth, which is coming to Nottinghamshire for the first time, was created by Luke Jerram (below) from NASA imagery.

Named after the Greek goddess of life, the giant floating globe aims to delight, amaze, and inspire respect for the only planet in the universe that we can all call home.

Visitors will be able to enjoy free immersive audio soundscapes through headphones to complement the subtly-lit visual spectacle.

Sian Booth, Cultural Services manager at Mansfield District Council, which operates the theatre, said: “It was the renowned American astronomer and planetary scientist Carl Sagan who once said, ‘No other planet in the solar system is a suitable home for human beings; it’s this world or nothing’.

“We invite people to come and ponder life, the universe, and everything while standing under the stunning and fantastic installation. We hope it will emphasise both the beauty and fragility of our beautiful world and enable people to feel a connection to their home, a tiny blue marble within the vastness of space.”

Free viewings open on World Earth Day, Tuesday, 22nd April, and run until Sunday, 27th April.

Audiences at ticketed events at the theatre will be able to see the stunning sculpture suspended above the stage from Saturday, 19th April.

It showcases the Earth’s continents and oceans, illuminated by subtle lighting that emphasise both the beauty and fragility of the planet.

There will also be a rare opportunity to see and explore the theatre’s backstage spaces, and in the theatre foyer there will be a looped thought-provoking film to watch, called Overview Effect, which explores humanity’s shifting view of Earth from space.

Other activities will be run in tandem with the Gaia installation including concerts, cinema, a virtual reality experience, arts activities, curated activities at Mansfield Museum, and yoga.

Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams added: “Awesome is an over-used word, but, in this instance, I think it is entirely appropriate.

“There is nothing more humbling than considering how small we are and how tiny our planet is in the great scheme of things.

“Sometimes it is useful and levelling to put these things into perspective when considering our responsibilities as guardians of the third planet from the sun.

“We are so proud of being able to bring this kind of world-class art to Mansfield and we are expecting this free spectacle to draw widespread interest during its few days here.”

The exhibition has been made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England as part of the council’s status as a National Portfolio Organisation, and from the Government’s Town’s Fund allocation as part of the Destination Mansfield campaign.

Admission is free with pre-bookable timed slots available at https://www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre/events/event/4267/gaia-by-luke-jerram

Visitors can also gain entry on the door on the day if capacity allows.

Bookable timeslots are available on:

Tuesday, 22nd April, 3pm to 9pm.
Wednesday, 23rd April, 3pm to 9pm.
Thursday, 24th April, 3pm to 9pm.
Friday, 25th April, 1pm to 5pm.
Saturday, 26th April, 10am to 1pm.
Sunday, 27th April, 1pm to 4pm.

Other theatre events that will feature Gaia include Music Of The Spheres on 20th April, a string music lunchtime concert in celebration of the Earth.

Theatre Electric is an intimate six-person immersive experience, blending storytelling with cutting-edge technology, inviting participants to step into a world of light, sound, and digital immersion. It is designed to challenge perspectives and heighten the senses and runs on 22nd, 23rd and 24th April, with six one-hour slots available.

Newstead Brass Band will be playing a concert on 26th April under Gaia, while there will be a screening of the film earth the previous day.

To book tickets for Gaia go to www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre/homepage/19/gaia