The iconic ‘Gaia’ exhibition is coming to Birkenhead Park this week

The organisers of this year’s Borough of Culture program for Wirral may not have promised residents and visitors the world, but in a way, that’s exactly what they’re getting.

In this case, “the world” refers to artist Luke Jerram’s renowned ‘Gaia’ exhibition, a captivating three-dimensional portrayal of our planet.

Opening in Birkenhead Park for three days from 28 – 30 May, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see our Earth up close.

Spanning seven meters in diameter and crafted from meticulously detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, ‘Gaia’ invites viewers to explore our planet in a whole new dimension.

Through Luke’s artistic vision, guests will encounter a breathtaking representation of Earth, suspended in space for all to admire and contemplate.

Artist Luke Jerram said:

“I am delighted that my Gaia artwork will be part of this important programme which makes culture available to everyone in the area. Presented in the landmark Birkenhead Park, I hope visitors to Gaia get to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious place. An ecosystem we urgently need to look after – our only home.”

World Earth Day seemed the ideal opportunity to confirm this highlight of Wirral’s year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture, as well as outlining some of the other events planned for 2024 both accompanying the ‘Gaia’ celebration and in addition to it.

Wirral Council is partnering with the internationally-renowned ‘Walk the Plank’ to deliver a programme that is inspired by Wirral’s unique location and heritage – celebrating the past, while also looking ahead to the future.

There will be lots of activities led by fantastic Wirral-based creatives and organisations, involving singing, dancing, playing, watching, listening, writing, painting, making, cheering and clapping – and it is hoped as many residents and visitors join in too.

Bev Ayre, Senior Producer at Walk the Plank, said:

“We’re delighted to bring some Walk the Plank magic to Wirral’s Borough of Culture and to showcase Gaia, local artists and community groups in an inventive programme of activities and events.”

‘Gaia’ will be installed and on display in Birkenhead Park from Tuesday 28 May until Thursday 30 May.

It is an accompanying piece to Luke’s similarly iconic and important work, the Museum of the Moon, that was displayed in Wirral at Birkenhead Town Hall as part of the celebrations the last time Wirral was Borough of Culture in 2019.

Hosting ‘Gaia’ in the expanse of Wirral’s flagship park presents an opportunity for organisers to present a programme of community cultural events surrounding the exhibit and local artists and community groups have already expressed an interest in taking part. The full programme will be published nearer the time on visitwirral.com

The choice of the historic setting of Birkenhead Park for the exhibition is also significant in that the park is currently one of only seven UK sites on the country’s Tentative List for being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.