Gaia the planet Earth sculpture comes to Suffolk

The sculpture’s name is derived from the Greek word Gaia meaning ‘earth’; in Greek mythology Gaia is the personification of the earth. It is the first time this spectacular artwork will be displayed in East Anglia.

The installation has been displayed in Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan and at the Natural History Museum in London but Bury St Edmunds is the first venue in the Eastern region to have the Earth on show. 

Unlike the moon, which we have been gazing at for millennia, the first time humankind got to see the Earth in its entirety as a blue marble floating in space was in 1972 with NASA’s Apollo 17 mission. At this moment, our perception and understanding of our planet changed forever. Hanging in the black emptiness of space the Earth seems isolated, a precious and fragile island of life. From a distance, the Earth is just a pale blue dot.

The ‘Overview Effect’ was 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, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.

Gaia is a major part of The Apex’s Covid-19 recovery programme and demonstrates how a concert hall is diversifying to present art during a time where it cannot stage a live performance.

The artwork has been created in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Bluedot and the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres.

Gaia can be viewed at The Apex from 3 to 18 October between 10am and 4pm daily. Although entry is free allowing access for all, as the venue has not been in a position to present a live concert since March, a donation of £3 per person is being recommended. There is an option to make larger donation to support The Apex, or donations can be waived and Gaia experienced for free.

Pre-booking is essential either online at www.theapex.co.uk, by telephone on 01284 758000 or in person from The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD; booking opens 28 August.

For more information about Gaia visit www.my-earth.org

We want you to enjoy your day out in Suffolk so it's always a good idea to check websites before you go and also check to see if there are any special requirements that may be in place for your visit, ie booking in advance.

Most of all, respect, protect and enjoy our beautiful county and if it's your first visit, we hope it will be the first of many.