One of the world's most recognised touring art installations is coming to Greater Manchester this autumn.

From 9 September to 2 October, visitors can see Luke Jerram's Gaia at Trafford Palazzo, where the seven-metre installation will be suspended beneath the venue's central dome. Created using detailed NASA imagery, Gaia presents the Earth at a scale that allows audiences to study continents, oceans and cloud formations in remarkable detail.

Accompanied by a surround-sound composition from BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones, the installation combines art, science and sound to create an immersive experience. As the sculpture slowly rotates, visitors are invited to consider the planet from a viewpoint usually reserved for astronauts in orbit.

Gaia has toured internationally since its debut, appearing in galleries, public spaces and historic venues around the world. Trafford Palazzo marks a rare opportunity to see the work in Greater Manchester during its month-long residency.

The installation forms part of Trafford Palazzo's wider programme of cultural and visitor experiences and will be freely accessible throughout its stay. A series of accompanying events and activities are also expected to take place beneath the artwork, with details set to be announced.

A visit to Gaia can be combined with a day exploring TraffordCity, home to attractions including LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, SEA LIFE Manchester and a range of shopping, leisure and dining destinations.

The installation arrives at the same time as another of Luke Jerram's works, Museum of the Moon, which will be on display at Campfield in Manchester. Together, the two installations offer visitors the chance to experience large-scale artworks inspired by our place within the wider universe.

Experience Gaia in New Ways This September

There's even more reason to visit Trafford Palazzo while Gaia is in residence. Alongside the chance to experience Luke Jerram's awe-inspiring artwork beneath the venue's spectacular glazed dome, a programme of special events will take place throughout September, offering unique ways to experience the installation.

Candlelight Concerts Under Gaia

Imagine listening to live music beneath a seven-metre floating Earth. A series of Candlelight concerts will bring atmospheric performances to the space, with tributes celebrating some of the world's biggest artists and composers.

Concerts include:

Hans Zimmer (10 & 25 September)
Best of Manchester Music (17 September)
Taylor Swift (18 September & 2 October)
Coldplay & Oasis (1 October)

The combination of candlelit performances and Gaia's dramatic presence promises to create one of Manchester's most memorable live music settings this autumn.

Wellness and Fitness Beneath the Earth

For those looking for a different perspective, Trafford Palazzo is also hosting a selection of wellbeing experiences underneath the illuminated artwork.

On 20 September, The Wellness Hub will host an immersive morning wellness session beneath Gaia, offering visitors the opportunity to slow down, reconnect and experience the installation in a completely different way.

Fitness fans can take part in a large-scale HYROX workout in association with Everlast Gyms on 24 September. Led by a HYROX coach, the event will combine high-energy training with the striking backdrop of Gaia suspended overhead.

Family Fun at Sunday Space School

Families can continue the space-themed adventure every Sunday throughout September with Sunday Space School. Designed for children aged two and over, these free sessions include space-themed face painting, rocket-building activities and an astronaut training experience inspired by the Earth installation above.

Young explorers will even be able to take their handmade rockets home and bring them back for Trafford Palazzo's October half-term space trail.

Plan Your Visit

Gaia will be on display at Trafford Palazzo until 2 October, marking the artwork's first appearance in a UK retail destination since 2021. Whether you're visiting for the artwork itself, a candlelight concert, a wellness session or a family day out, this autumn programme offers plenty of reasons to experience the installation more than once.

Getting There

Trafford Palazzo is located in TraffordCity, around five miles from Manchester city centre. Visitors travelling by public transport can take the Metrolink to the Trafford Centre stop, with direct services operating from the city centre. From there, Trafford Palazzo is a short walk away. TraffordCity is also served by a number of Bee Network bus services connecting it with Manchester and surrounding areas.

For those travelling by car, Trafford Palazzo offers free parking and is located just off the M60 motorway.